CAMP GEN. SIMEON A. OLA, Legazpi City, Aug. 1 (PNA) — An intelligence officer of the San Pascual Municipal Police Station was critically wounded in an ambush staged by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels at Barangay Mabini, San Pascual, Masbate on Friday afternoon.
PO2 Jim Velasco, 44, married and resident of Barangay Bulod in the same town, was rushed to the St.John Hospital in Naga City for treatment.
A report reaching Chief Supt. Victor P. Deona, Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol regional director, said Velasco was on board his motorcycle at about 5 p.m. when the rebels, armed with M-16 and M-14 armalite rifles, fired at him.
Although hit, the intelligence officer returned fire, alarming his fellow officers who were about 500 meters away.Velasco’s companions immediately responded and also exchanged gunfire with the NPA members.
Deona said Velasco had earlier received an information on the presence of armed rebels in the area, which prompted him to go there to conduct surveillance operation.
The insurgents, however, were already in an ambush position when he arrived in the area and fired at him.
They immediately withdrew towards Sitio Bagong Sirang, Barangay San Pedro, same town, when the reinforcing police officers arrived.(PNA)