Greg Bañares, Bicol spokesman of the National Democratic Front, owned up to the attack, saying it was their response to the all-out war declared by President Arroyo against communist insurgents.
Superintendent Saaga Gani, Catanduanes police director, identified the fatalities as Senior Inspector Alex Diaz and PO1 Joselito Tubo Jr., both belonging to the provincial police mobile group.
Gani said Diaz’s group was responding to a call for assistance by residents of Barangay Tibang when they were waylaid. — Cet Dematera