5 cops wounded in NPA ambush in Catanduanes

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines  – At least five policemen in Caramoran town in the island province of Catanduanes, including the town’s police chief were wounded in another attack by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels yesterday morning.

Superintendent Lito Pitallano, Catanduanes police director said NPA guerillas ambushed the patrol car the policemen were riding in the vicinity of Barangay San Jose.

He identified the wounded as Police Inspector Rene Bea and Police Officers 1 Rene Payonga, Edcel Brutas, Rommel Cardel, and William Bagasbas.

 “They are now being treated at the Datag West Hospital in the same town, “ Superintendent Wilson Asueta, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police in Bicol told The STAR in a text message.

Asueta said the team was returning to the town proper after bringing the remains of a shooting victim to Barangay Malaviga when attacked by rebels.

Local policemen and troops from the 83rd Infantry Batallion are now conducting hot pursuit operation against the rebels.

Army troops also clashed with NPA rebels in Agusan del Sur Friday afternoon, leaving one rebel fighter dead and the seizure of five high-powered firearms.

Last Tuesday, three Army troops belonging to the 7th Scout Ranger Company who were ferrying commuters during a transport strike, were wounded when NPA rebels fired at them along the national highway in Barangay Morera.

Last August 14, five policemen were wounded when NPA rebels attacked the Mobo police station, while a landmine explosion killed an Army soldier on board a KM 250 vehicle.

Intelligence report said the NPA rebels will conduct more tactical offensives to recover lost areas in Bicol as well as strengthen the position of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front for the coming peace talks with the government.

Communist rebel leaders meanwhile said the stalled peace negotiations with the government could resume with Norway’s help.

Chief rebel negotiator Luis Jalandoni said he is to meet his government counterpart on Monday and Tuesday with a special Norwegian envoy dispatched to Manila to try to end the current impasse, which stems from the rebels’ demand for the release of 13 captured officers. – Celso Amo, Cet Dematera, AFP, Alexis Romero