MANILA, Philippines - Suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels ambushed a convoy of Arteche, Eastern Samar Mayor Rolando Evardone yesterday morning, leaving a policeman dead and four others wounded, authorities said.
Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz, Philippine National Police spokesman, said Evardone’s convoy was passing through Sitio Subok in Barangay Tangbo, Arteche town when it was fired upon at around 11:20 a.m.
Killed in the ensuing firefight was Inspector Al Lianza Tantiado, one of Evardone’s security escorts.
Evardone was unhurt in the attack, police said.
Wounded in the ambush were PO1s Elmer Tizado, Kenneth Tafalla, and Sherwin Portajada, and driver Noe Operario.
Police said Evardone, together with the police officers, were headed to Barangay Catumsan to raid a tupada or illegal cockfight.
Police said the rebels were able to cart away three M-16 rifles and an M-14 rifle. – Mike Frialde, Jaime Laude