LEGAZPI CITY –— Four people were killed on Sunday by armed men in separate attacks in Masbate province, a report reaching the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol said on Monday.
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) ambushed and killed Rommel Borromeo, 58, a retired Senior Police Officer 2 and a former intelligence operative; and his companion Antonio Barsaga, 65, a retired security guard both residents of Barangay District 2, San Jacinto town in Masbate, according to Police Chief Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PNP Bicol spokesperson.
Calubaquib said the victims were on board a motorcycle and were negotiating a road in Sitio Danta, Calipatan village, San Jacinto, Masbate when a group of rebels attack them at around 12:35 p.m. Sunday.
A civilian reported to the police that a loud explosion was heard and a volley of gunfire followed.
Responding police and military operatives recovered from the crime scene, aside from the victim’s dead bodies, 52 empty shells from M16 rifle; 29 empty shells from M14 rifles and 55 meters of detonating cord.
Another attack was reported in Barangay Daraga, Placer town where Eric Tupas, village chief of Barangay Luna and president of Liga ng Mga Barangay in Placer, and his companion Rommie Bagaan, were gunned down at around 6:00 p.m. Sunday.
Calubaquib said the victims were on board a motorcycle from the Poblacion and were heading for the said village when fired upon by still unidentified armed men.
The victims sustained gunshot wounds in their bodies and were instantly killed. (Mar Serrano/PNA)
