6 cops killed, 2 wounded in an ambush by NPA in Negros Oriental

Six police personnel were killed, including the police chief of Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, while two others were wounded when they were ambushed by suspected members of New People’s Army Friday morning.

Chief Insp. Armelyn Vargas, Region 18 police spokesperson, said the encounter took place around 10 a.m. in Guihulngan.

The investigation is ongoing, he said.

Initial reports identified the fatalities as Superintendent Arnel Arpon, Guihulngan police chief; Senior Police Officer 2 Necasio Tabilon; Police Officer 3 Jordan Balderas; Police Officer 2 Alvin Paul Bulandres; Police Officer 2 Alfred Dunque; and Police Officer 1 Abines Silvano.

Wounded were Senior Police Officer 4 Jerome Delara and Police Officer 2 Jorie Maribao.

The police personnel responded to a call around 9:45 a.m. that Sangguniang Bayan member Edison dela Rita was ambushed by suspected NPA members in Sitio Magtiid, Barangay Magsaysay.

Arpon led a 15-man team on board a Mahindra vehicle and three motorcycles and went to the site.

On their way to the area, they were ambushed by an undetermined number of armed men believed to be NPA members.

Capt. Eduardo Precioso of the 3rd Infantry Division said the wounded were brought to Dumaguete for medical treatment.

He said the 79th Infantry Battalion is now conducting pursuit operations against the suspects.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said Barangay Magsaysay in Guihulngan City is about 140 kilometers north of Dumaguete City, the capital of Negros Oriental. —KG/KVD, GMA News