PNP assures assistance to families of slain police officers

The Philippine National Police on Friday assured assistance to the families of the four police officers killed in an ambush by suspected members of the New People’s Army in Negros Oriental.

“We assure the bereaved families of all available assistance that government can extend if only to ease their suffering over this tragic loss,” PNP deputy spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Kimberly Molitas said in a press statement.

Molitas added a police and military pursuit operation is underway in Negros Oriental against the persons behind the killing of Police Corporal Relebert Beronio, Patrolman Raffy Callo, Patrolman Roel Cabellon, and Patrolman Marquino de Leon of the 704 Mobile Force Company of the 7th Regional Mobile Force Battalion.

She said the 190,000-strong police organization mourns the loss of its four young officers and extends its condolences to their orphaned families.

An initial investigation showed that the four police officers were verifying intelligence information about the presence of NPA rebels in the area.

They were on board two motorcycles on their way to the house of Oto Anadon, their contact in the area, when they were waylaid and fired upon by the suspected rebels.

“Still not satisfied with the blood of their prey, the terrorists also looted the dead of their firearms, valuables and personal belongings, and drove off with the victims’ motorcycles,” Molitas said.

The police deputy spokesperson said the incident has shown the insincerity of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army to forge a peace agreement with government.

“We call on the NPA fighters to sever ties and withdraw support from the their CPP/NDF masters, and embrace the police-church backed localized peace talks in order for them to lead normal and peaceful lives with their families,” said Molitas. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News