3 civilians, cop killed in Ecija ambush

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga – A police officer and three civilians were killed in an ambush in Guimba, Nueva Ecija on Monday night.

Chief Superintendent Amador Corpus, Central Luzon police director, identified the fatalities as Rolando and Alfonso, both surnamed Sambrano, Erick Fardo and Police Officer 2 Ruben Badongen.

PO3 Christopher Delfin, PO1 Mico Serrano, Raymundo Sambrano and Orlando Balmater were wounded and brought to a hospital for treatment.

The civilians reportedly hitched a ride with the police officers.

Initial investigation showed the police officers, who were in a Toyota Grandia, were conducting surveillance operations against gang members tagged in robberies and contract killings in Nueva Ecija and nearby provinces when they were waylaid in Barangay Tampac 1.

Delfin said the suspects, who were on a motorcycle, a black Honda CRV and white sport utility vehicle with no license plates, overtook their vehicle and opened fire.

He said the alleged leader of the gang, Jay-r del Rosario, was among those they encountered.

It was not known if there are casualties on the side of the suspects.

“It’s a retaliation. That is the angle being pursued by investigators,” Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde told a press briefing yesterday.

A manhunt for the suspects is underway.