Palace condoles with kin of 6 cops killed in NPA ambush

Malacañang on Saturday sent its condolences to the families of six policemen killed in an ambush by suspected New People's Army (NPA) members in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental.

"The Palace wishes to express its deepest condolences to the grieving families and relatives of the six policemen killed in yesterday morning’s ambush in Magsaysay, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental," Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

The ambush took place around 10 a.m. on Friday.

Killed were 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.

Two more policemen were hurt in the ambush.

Abella assured that the government will extend assistance to the wounded police officers.

"We assure everyone that we would not rest until justice is served against those responsible for this crime," he added.

The NPA has launched a series of offensives against the government early this week, including the attack on a two-vehicle Presidential Security Group convoy in Cotabato on Wednesday.

The attack prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to call off backchannel talks with the communist rebels for the resumption of peace negotiations. —ALG, GMA News