TACLOBAN CITY -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday denounced the attack in Motiong, Samar allegedly launched by the New People’s Army, killing a policeman and wounding his comrade.
“The police regional office deeply condemns such act of violence. Thus, the public is encouraged to be of help and be cooperative to the authorities in reporting unusual movements in their places,” the PNP said in a statement.
The two police officers were on board the patrol car of Motiong town police station around 7:15 a.m. on Monday when armed men detonated anti-personnel mine and attacked the two police officers. The incident occurred within the national road in Barangay (village) 1.
Killed on the spot was Police Staff Sergeant Glenn Meniano. On the other hand, Patrolwoman Jane Abejar was hit by shrapnel but managed to escape from the gun attacks.
Armed rebels also burned the police vehicle.
The two police officers were heading back to Motiong police station after fetching water from the nearby police station in Paranas town.
Silvestre Igdalino, a civilian, was also injured.
Probers recovered empty shells of M16 rifle in the crime scene.
PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Brigadier General Dionardo Carlos went to the area to lead the investigation.
“We are now assisting the bereaved family of Meniano and pray for the recovery of Abejar. The police and military are conducting hot pursuit operation to bring the terrorist-killers before the bar of justice,” Carlos said in a statement sent to reporters.
The NPA in Eastern Visayas admitted the attack and torching the police car in a social media post Monday afternoon.
Both the United States and European Union have declared the CPP-NPA as a terrorist group. (PNA)
