Ex-Pangasinan Gov. Espino received threats prior to ambush incident, police say

Former Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr. had received threats to his life prior to the ambush incident on Wednesday afternoon, the chief of Pangasinan police said Thursday.

"For the past days, kung 'di ako nagkakamali eh last week ay sumulat siya sa atin dahil may nare-receive siyang mga threat. Siya ay binigyan natin ng temporary security," Police Colonel Redrico Maranan said during a press briefing.

Espino, who was onboard a Toyota Land Cruiser, and his back-up security who were onboard a black Toyota Innova, were shot by still unidentified suspects in Barangay Magtaking.

In a follow-up operation, authorities recovered the vehicles, a red Hyundai Elantra and a grey Ford Everest, allegedly used by the suspects during the ambush.

Maranan said local police would coordinate with the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group to determine the ownership of the said vehicles.

Maranan said police are eyeing more or less 10 suspects in the incident. He added that the suspects could be members of a professional gun for hire group.

"Based on our assessment, talagang ano 'to, gun for hire group na sabi nga, hindi sila pipitsugin based doon sa mga gamit na nakuha natin, mga sasakyan at saka 'yung mga kilos nila, tinitingnan natin mukhang precise, maganda ang planning..." Maranan said.

According to Maranan, police already have persons of interest, however, they want to focus on gathering pieces of evidence on the crime.

A security aide was killed during the incident while Espino and his other bodyguards were wounded. — RSJ, GMA News