Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Raul Tacaca, ordered the relief of Guihulngan City police chief, Police Superintendent Mario Baquiran, following the death of his deputy, Police Senior Inspector Porferio Gabuya, Jr., last Wednesday.

According to Tacaca, Baquiran’s relief came into effect last Thursday.

He was replaced by Police Superintendent Christopher Navida.

Following the incident, New People’s Army (NPA) Apolinario Gatmaitan Regional Operational Command spokesperson Ka Juanito Magbanua denied the group’s involvement, noting, Gabuya had no record with the NPA.

Magbanua added, the NPA is abiding with the ceasefire they declared. The first phase began on Christmas Eve and ends today, December 26; while the second phase runs from December 31 to January 1.

Gabuya was killed last Wednesday at an eatery in front of the police station.

The suspects, who covered their faces and wore sunglasses, immediately fled.

NOrPPO is presently investigating the incident and are considering Gabuya’s previous police operations, particularly those involving the campaign against illegal drugs, as the motive behind his murder./DGB, WDJ