Soldier, cop killed in NPA attacks

CAMP OLA, Albay – Two government security forces were killed in separate attacks waged by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bicol – one at the police station in Gubat, Sorsogon on Sunday night, and the other in Tiwi town, this province yesterday morning.

Chief Superintendent Antonio Gardiola, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) regional director (RD), said at least 30 NPA guerrillas engaged elements of the 92nd Division Reconnaissance Company in a 15-minute gunbattle in Sitio Mapalak, Barangay Joroan in Tiwi yesterday morning.

Citing a report from Captain Joash Pramis, chief of the Division on Public Affairs Office (DPAO) of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division (9ID), Gardiola said a certain 1st Lieutenant Siatriz headed the company of soldiers in combat.

The report said a trooper was killed on the side of the government, while two rebels were also neutralized. Gardiola said the identity of the fallen soldier was withheld, pending notification of his family.

Last Sunday, NPA rebels who attacked the community outpost of the Gubat Municipal Police Station (MPS) killed Police Officer 2 Dennis Garbida in a brief gunfight.

Senior Inspector Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said the attack was a drive-by shooting by guerrillas on board a white van. A female civilian was wounded in the attack.

Earlier Sunday, a similar drive-by shooting happened at the Bulan MPS which is a few kilometers away from Gubat. The attack resulted in the wounding of PO2 Dionne Cañada.