3 NPAs killed trying to storm police station

TACLOBAN CITY — The police station in Victoria, Northern Samar, fought off at least 50 guerrillas of the New People’s Army (NPA) who launched an attack Thursday morning, killing three rebels during three-hour clash.

Eladio Alo, the police station chief, said the 15 officers on duty at the time took defensive positions on the station’s rooftop.

The rebels reportedly arrived in Victoria in a truck. They wore military

fatigues but had yellow strips of cloth as a countersign.

Wounded during the encounter were Police Senior Master Sgt. Arturo Gordo Jr. who sustained cuts on the nose and eyes from shrapnel, and Police Master Sgt. Arnold Cabacang who sustained minor wounds on the face.

The police captured a rebel, identified as Aljun Tamuyang Cardenas, 18, a resident of Calbayog City.

The attackers left behind a M60 machine gun and two rifles.

The truck used by the rebels was found abandoned at around 6:40 a.m.

The Eastern Visayas police identified the NPA unit which operates in the area is under the Section Committee 2, Sub-Regional Committee Emporium of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

It is headed by Ranie Cabides, alias Nadie, and has 51 members.

Dionardo Carlos, regional police chief, lauded the Victoria police for defending the station.

“I am directing all PNP personnel to always be extra vigilant and alert in their tour of duty within their jurisdiction to preempt similar attacks,” Carlos said.