2 intelligence officers shot dead in Isabela

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Two police intelligence officers were killed while two others were wounded when they were attacked by armed men believed to be members of a notorious robbery group in Isabela the other day.

Murder charges are now being readied against the suspects in the ambush, which resulted in the killing of Inspector Jelowie Antonio and PO3 Jaime Manaligod, both assigned at the intelligence section of the Isabela provincial police office.

Chief Inspector Melchor Cantil, head of Isabela’s criminal investigation and detection team, said that their colleagues were already on their way back to their office from a surveillance work when they were attacked.

The fatalities, with two other intelligence operatives, on board two motorcycles, went to follow up reports about the presence of armed men in central Isabela when they were fired at in Barangay Bartulan, Gamu town about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The two reportedly died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds while their two other companions also sustained injuries. Reports also indicated that the perpetrators took with them the two service motorcycles of the victims.

Responding joint police operatives recovered at least 15 empty shells for M16 rifle, shotgun from the ambush site.

Reports identified two of the alleged perpetrators as one Erong Aquino and one Rony de la Cruz, reportedly now both facing charges for the incident.