2 cops dead, 4 hurt in clash with alleged NPA members in Northern Samar

Two police officers died while four others were injured on Saturday after getting hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) during a firefight with alleged New People’s Army (NPA) members in Northern Samar.

The victims were identified as Patrolman Franklin Marquez and Patrolman Jimmy Caraggayan Jr., according to a report by Luisito Santos on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.

They were hit by the IED during the encounter with the fleeing rebels in Barangay Lonoy in the municipality of Gamay.

In a Facebook post, the Philippine National Police (PNP) extended its sympathies to the bereaved families of Santos and Caraggayan.

“Our snappy salute to the bravery they have shown. They were killed in the line of duty defending our country against insurgency. We would want to recognize the valor of four other troop members who were injured during the firefight,” PNP chief Police General Dionardo Carlos said in the statement.

The PNP said it would offer financial assistance to the families left by the two police personnel and medical aid for the four others who are still recovering from the incident.

The two fatalities were enrolled in a Special Action Force Commando training course. —Giselle Ombay/KG, GMA News