The team leader of the 6th Regional Mobile Group troopers who arrested rebel leader Marvin Mata, alias Benzar, employed by former Mayor Luis Mondia and his family during the May 14 elections, is now the police chief of Pulupandan, Negros Occidental.

Inspector Joshua Villasis, former 6th RMG intelligence chief, replaces Senior Inspector Rone Grajo, who had been the officer-in-charge of the Pulupandan police for more than two weeks.

Mata who was tagged by the military as chief of the New People's Army Regional Operational Command and its liquidation unit, has been also implicated in the ambush of Pulupandan Mayor Magdaleno Peña.

Villasis and his men, in coordination with intelligence operatives of the Bacolod City Police Office, intercepted and arrested Mata and his companion along the highway of Talisay City last month.

Peña defeated Samson Mondia, brother of former Mayor Luis Mondia, in the Pulupandan mayoralty race.

The relief of 13 Pulupandan policemen who claimed to have not heard gunfire when Peña was ambushed within the town poblacion on May 30, has recommended by the chief local chief executive to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.

Mata who was denied bail for robbery-in-band charges, is now detained at the Negros Occidental Provincial Jail in Bacolod City.

On the other hand, Grajo was transferred to Victorias as the city deputy police chief.

Senior Inspector Regidor Alvarado has been designated as deputy Operations chief of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, following his relief as La Castellana police chief on July 13.

Senior Inspector Raymond Maningo replaces Alvarado as La Castellana police chief.*GPB

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