4 cops hurt in CamSur clash

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Four police officers were wounded in an encounter with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Libmanan town in Camarines Sur Friday night.

Chief Inspector Ruben Padua, Police Officer 3 Jolan Aguinaldo, PO1 Johanes Sabroso and PO1 Leonil Fiesta, all of the Camarines Sur provincial police office, were taken to the Bicol Medical Center (BMC) in Naga City for treatment.

The police officers detonated two improvise explosive devices (IEDs) found in Barangay Malinao when the rebels shot them as they were leaving the village, said Chief Inspector Malou Calubaquib, spokesperson for the Bicol police.

Calubaquib said the firefight last almost an hour.

Hours before the clash, Lt. Col. Sisenando Magbalot, spokesman for the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, informed the police that two IEDs were found abandoned in Sitio Dinumpilan.

Authorities have yet to determine if the discovery of the IEDs and the ambush on the police officers were connected.