A POLICEMAN died in an ambush staged by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Samar during a humanitarian mission last Saturday.
Eastern Visayas Regional Police Director Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac condemned the attack and vowed to go after the rebels.
Patrolman Mark Monge, detailed with the PNP Regional Mobile Force Battalion, was brought to a hospital for severe injuries but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Monge and fellow policemen were conducting a “humanitarian activity” in the boundaries of Barangay Nicolas in Jose de Buan town and Barangay Mabuhay in Gandara town when they were fired upon by the rebels.
The rebels fled after a five-minute firefight with an undetermined number of casualties.
“With the death of Patrolman Monge, we in the PNP strongly condemn such treacherous act made by CTG (communist terrorist group) members. We will not cease in chasing the perpetrators,” said Banac.
Banac said the PNP will intensify its efforts against the NPA, noting the underground group is “one of the roots of poverty in the hinterland areas of Eastern Visayas, and this has to end.”
Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the NPA guerrilla fronts in the region are down to four, from 11 five years ago, due to the continuing counter-insurgency operations.
