Two cops reported missing found dead

THE two policemen, who were earlier reported missing after their encounter with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in two villages in Toril District, were found dead in Barangay Baracatan on Wednesday afternoon.

Police Regional Office (PRO11) spokesperson Chief Insp. Jed Clamor identified the two policemen as PO1 Manuel Anganoy and PO2 Ninoy Bunagan, of the Special Action Force (SAF) under the 4th Special Action Battalion.

Clamor, in a phone interview with Sun.Star Davao yesterday, said the two police officers were found in a hinterland in Upper Baracatan late afternoon while the police and military were conducting the clearing operation in the area.

“Gikasubo namo sa PRO11 ang pagkamatay sa duha ka police (We mourn the death of our colleagues), nakikiramay po kami sa kanilang pamilya. Despite of what happened, this will not stop us, the government authorities, from continuing our efforts in keeping the public safe,” Clamor said.

When asked if the police and military are going to file charges against the rebels involved in the incident, Clamor said they have yet to discuss the matter. He added that the police and military are still conducting pursuit operation against the perpetrators.

Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) public information officer Captain Alberto Caber echoed the same answer in a separate interview. He said they will file the charges against the rebels once the troops and police force have collected all needed evidence and documents.

Six policemen and a soldier were wounded in a clash with the rebels in Baracatan and Catigan in Toril on Tuesday around 1:30 p.m. Wounded were Inspector Ruel Manga, Inspector Bernido Villamor, PO3 James Bangayan, PO3 Arthur Saavedra, PO1 Vincent Capalvas, PO1 John Ambog, and Pfc. Cesar Bangkil.