Policewoman survives ambush in Pasig

MANILA, Philippines - A policewoman survived an ambush staged by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Pasig City at dawn yesterday.

Police Officer 1 Loida del Mundo, assigned at the Women’s and Children’s Desk of the San Mateo police in Rizal, suffered four gunshot wounds in the face and different parts of the body.

Although wounded, Del Mundo was able to drive her motorcycle to the Rizal Medical Center where she is listed in serious condition.

The policewoman was on her way home to Taguig City at 1:25 a.m. when the gunmen riding on a motorcycle blocked her path in Barangay Bambang in Pasig, according to Senior Inspector Rodrigo de Dios, chief of the Pasig police criminal investigation unit.

De Dios said their investigation showed that the suspects tailed the victim and the back rider shot her at close range.

When Del Mundo fell on the ground, the suspects drove toward Barangay Pinagbuhatan, De Dios said.

Responding policemen recovered four empty shells from a caliber .45 pistol in the scene.

Pasig police chief Senior Superintendent Mario Rariza said he has ordered a massive manhunt for the suspects.