The setting up of a police detachment in Brgy. Kumaliskis, Salvador Benedicto, to diffuse tension in the area where an independent armed group linked to town Councilor Vicente "Oti" Bacordo reportedly exist was ordered yesterday by Negros Occidental police director Charles Calima.

Calima said he has instructed Chief Inspector Calixto Mabugat, commander of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Group, to establish the police detachment as soon as possible and conduct aggressive operations against the armed group.

The Negros Occidental police is verifying the claims of a certain Dodo Cañete, a casual employee of the Salvador Benedicto municipal government, that a politician is supplying firearms to barangay officials. Mayor Cynthia de la Cruz expressed dismay over the move of some people to link her family to the land dispute in Brgy. Kumaliskis, Salvador Benedicto.

The land dispute is between families of Conrado Abay whose daughter-in-law is a niece of controversial Salvador Benedicto Councilor Vicente "Oti " Bacordo, and that of Noel Benedicto and Samuel Española.

Police investigations show that Cañete holds grudges against de la Cruz, for reportedly being scolded for getting his salary every 15th and 30th days of the month, without working for it.

The Diocese of San Carlos has expressed support for the probe being conducted by the military and police on the reported existence of the armed group.*GPB

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