CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) have launched a manhunt for communist rebels suspected to be behind the ambush on the convoy of Agusan del Norte Gov. Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba on Thursday.
Matba was on her way to attend the turnover of a newly built school in Sitio Minbahandi in Barangay Camagong in Nasipit town when an undetermined number of rebels attacked her convoy, said Capt. Patrick Martinez, spokesman for the 4th ID.
A police report said the ambush occurred at 11:20 a.m. in Sitio Hinandayan, also in Barangay Camagong.
Matba was unharmed but one of her police escorts, PO1 Vincent Salvador Dubouzet Jr., was wounded in the ensuing gunfight.
Martinez said the attack could be related to the 46th anniversary celebration of the Communist Party of the Philippines tomorrow.
He said the New People’s Army guerrillas behind the ambush were also involved in the killing of militiaman Emmanuel Bustamante in Salay, Misamis Oriental.
Bustamante was about to report for duty when the rebels shot him.
The Police Regional Office 13 said it has set up checkpoints and coordinated with the military for the arrest of the rebels. – With Ben Serrano