Ombudsman Forms Team to Probe Incident in Iloilo

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Byline: JUN RAMIREZ

Ombudsman Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez yesterday ordered the creation of a task force that will investigate the manner by which her order dismissing Iloilo Gov. Niel D. Tupas Sr. was carried out.

The People's Graftwatch Movement of Iloilo filed the graft case against Tupas for alleged irregular approval of the release of R85,000 for the Community Direct Action Project (CDAP) as financial assistance for alleged non-existent training programs and seminars for the Provincial Board Members' League of the Philippines.

Media reports said hundreds of policemen raided the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, smashing and destroying padlocked doors to unseat the governor after the 48-hour deadline set by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for dismissed and suspended officials to leave their respective offices lapsed.

Reports said police withdrew from the office building after Tupas received a copy of the …