Cop killed, 3 injured in Masbate encounter

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – A policeman was killed, one remained missing and three more were wounded when about 50 heavily armed New People’s Army rebels ambushed them 5:30 a.m. yesterday in Barangay Real, Monreal, Masbate, a report reaching Camp General Simeon Ola here said.

Chief Superintendent Paterno Bangui, Bicol police director, however, identified the victims merely through their surnames as Police Officer 3 Morales, who was killed in action; Police Officer 3 Amor, who remained missing and believed captured by the rebels; and Police Officers 3 Warte and Cañares, who were all wounded together with a still unnamed civilian.

Bangui said that about 50 to 60 armed rebels ambushed the 10-man Monreal police force who responded to the police assistance sought by their comrade PO2 Gardo who was waylaid by armed men believed to be members of the ambushers. 

Bangui believed that the rebels used PO2 Gardo as bait in ambushing the police re-enforcement, who tried to fight back but was outnumbered by the rebels. – Cet Dematera, Cecille Suerte Felipe