ILOILO CITY — Western Visayas’ Police Regional Office (PRO-6) is urging the public to report the presence of any threat and extortion activities of the New People’s Army (NPA) to the police and the military.
In a text message, PRO-6 spokesperson, Supt. Gilbert Gorero, said the PNP and the Philippine Army “at all times are ready to defend the Constitution from terroristic act and preserve peace”.
This call for public support came after NPA rebels ambushed personnel of the Sibalom, Antique municipal police station on Wednesday morning, wounding three government forces.
The wounded policemen were brought to separate hospitals in San Jose and Sibalom towns but the one who sustained injuries on his stomach was brought to a hospital here in Iloilo Wednesday evening for further treatment upon order of PRO-6 director, Chief Supt. Cesar Hawthorne Binag.
Gorero said that what the rebels did was “an act of terrorism because it marred the tranquility of the province for years”.
He added that while Antique is peaceful and ready for development, “this group is bent on disrupting and preventing peace and development efforts to prosper”.
“The community should know that this armed group remains a threat to peace and development of the province and the entire region,” he cited.
The injured police officers will receive financial assistance and PNP personnel medal. (PNA)
