LEGAZPI CITY -- Two policemen were killed in a clash between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels early Sunday morning in a remote village of Bato town in Camarines Sur, a police report said on Monday.
Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-5 (Bicol) spokesperson, identified the slain policemen as Master Sergeant Sotero Javier and Patrolman Prince Lagdameo, both members of the 2nd Camarines Sur Provincial Mobile Force.
Calubaquib said both died while being rushed to a hospital in Nabua town, Camarines Sur.
Two platoons of policemen were on intelligence operation when they engaged an 18-man NPA group around 5 a.m. in Barangay Payak of said town.
A 20-minute firefight ensued that resulted in the wounding and subsequent death of the two policemen.
Calubaquib said police forces are still pursuing the rebels as of press time.
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)
