BUTUAN (Mindanao Examiner / 03 Apr) – Suspected communist insurgents raided a construction company Tuesday in central Philippines and torched several equipment and killed three policemen before escaping to the hinterlands, army officials said.
Officials said the insurgents raided the firm called Filmenera in the village of Puro in Masbate’s Aroroy town.
“The attack occurred at around 7.10 a.m.,” Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres, Jr. told the Mindanao Examiner.
He said troops sent to intercept the gunmen recovered landmines and grenades left behind by the raiders inside the company compound.
But three policemen who tried to stop the insurgents were killed in the ambush. Security forces were pursuing about 40 members of the New People’s Army.
Torres said soldiers also recovered three M16 automatic rifles and an M79 grenade launcher left behind gunmen.
Just recently, gunmen also killed two aides of Placer town mayoralty candidate Freddie Quiadato.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would replace the provincial police chief because of the violence in Masbate. PNP Chief Director General Oscar Calderon said Senior Superintendent Teodoro Caparroso would be replaced by Senior Superintendent Edgar Layon.
"I have directed the police commanders in region 5 to establish effective counter measures to put an end to this escalating violence or face administrative sanctions or relief. But despite the warning, violence continued in Masbate, thus leaving (me) no other recourse but to recommend the replacement of the provincial director with a more experienced and competent commander," Calderon said.
Calderon also ordered additional police forces in Masbate. (With a report from Juley Reyes)
No comments:
Post a Comment