Albay councilor, cop wounded in ambush

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—A councilor of Daraga, Albay and a police officer were wounded when suspected New People’s Army rebels fired at a convoy of vehicles of town officials along the national road in Barangay Bigao yesterday.

Councilor Mark Magalona was hit in the leg and brought to the Aquinas Hospital for treatment. Police Officer 4 John Mallorca suffered a gunshot wound in the leg and brought to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital.

The victims were in a police vehicle along with Daraga Vice Mayor Carlito Baylon and Councilor Joey Marcellana.

 “There were several people standing along the road when I heard gunshots from an M-16 rifle directed toward us,” PO2 Dennis Miraflor, the driver of the police vehicle, said.

Col. Clyde Yucot, 901st Brigade commander, called on local officials to coordinate with the military when they visit remote areas.