Operation launched vs rebels in cop’s death

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa ordered on Friday an intensified pursuit operation against a group of local communist group that clashed with security forces in Iloilo, ending the life of a police captain.

Gamboa likewise expressed condolences to the family of 29year-old Captain Efren Espanto Jr., team leader of the Reconnaissance Company of the Western Visayas Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB-6).

Espanto died after sustaining a gunshot wound on the right portion of his head during a firefight between police and an undetermined number of suspected communist rebels in Barangay Aglobong, Janiuay town, last Wednesday.

Police reported that Espanto’s team was conducting a combat operation in the area when they encountered the armed group. The gunfight lasted for 30 minutes. After the incident, Espanto’s teammates discovered that he was shot.

Espanto was rushed to Federico Roman Tirador Sr. Memorial District

Hospital in Janiuay where he was declared dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, another company was deployed at the encounter site for reinforcement, hot pursuit and follow-up operations.

Gamboa assured the surviving kin of Espanto of all the benefits entitled to the dependents of the deceased police officer.

Espanto was a native of La Carlota City in Negros Occidental. He was a member of the Philippine National Police Academy “Lakandula” Class of 2015.