5 cops wounded in Sorsogon ambush

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines– Five policemen were wounded in an ambush by suspected members of the New People’s Army in Barangay Marinas in Gubat, Sorsogon on Monday, police said yesterday.

Police Senior Inspector Malou Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesman, said Senior Police Officers 1 Ronald Din and Gerry Gabuyo, PO2s Dennis Garbida and Sheryl Marbella and PO3 Aris Hasal were on their way to the Gubat police station when the rebels fired at their patrol car.

A firefight lasted for about 15 minutes before the rebels fled toward an unknown direction.

Senior Superintendent Ronaldo Cabral, Sorsogon police director, sought reinforcement from the Sorsogon Provincial Public Safety Company, the  Army’s 31st Infantry Battalion and 903rd Brigade.

Cabral said police personnel from adjacent municipalities established chokepoints in strategic areas to intercept the rebels. – Celso Amo, Cecille Suerte Felipe