Cop slain in Samar clash

TACLOBAN, Leyte, Philippines — A police officer was killed in an encounter with suspected terrorists in Samar on Saturday.

Pat. Mark Monge of the 2nd Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company was declared dead on arrival in a hospital due to gunshot wounds.

Monge was part of a team conducting humanitarian activities at the border of San Jose de Buan and Gandara towns when a group of men assaulted them, triggering a firefight.

The firefight lasted five minutes as the gunmen retreated toward the mountain.

Police believe the gunmen suffered casualties.