Philippine National Police officer-in-charge, PLt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa pays his last respects to Pat. Mark Jerome Rama who was killed during a landmine attack by the NPA on Dec. 13, 2019 in Borongan, Eastern Samar. (Photo courtesy of PNP)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to file charges against the New People’s Army (NPA) for staging a landmine attack that killed a policeman and two civilians, and wounded several others in an ensuing firefight with the police force on December 13 in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
PNP deputy regional director for administration, PCol. Marvin Manuel Pepino said they are still in the process of conducting a comprehensive probe of the attack and picking up important statements from witnesses so their case against the culprits are “impermeable”.
“Our intelligence unit and our counterparts in the Philippine Army are still conducting an investigation to identify personalities involved. This is preparation for the filing of murder and attempted murder charges,” he added.
Fatalities of the clash were Pat. Mark Jerome Rama, a 69-year-old woman, and a 50-year-old local government employee. Four other policemen and 11 civilians, including three minors, got hurt during the explosion and the gunfire.
The policemen from the 1st Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company based in Dolores town was driving a patrol car going to Borongan City while the civilians were in a van and two tricycles.
“We ask our policemen to be always on alert. An ambush can be prevented through intelligence information from the community,” Pepino said.
PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa gave his last respects to the Rama, and extended his sympathies and assistance to the families of the victims. He also visited the four wounded policemen and offered all the help, including financial assistance, to them. (RJ Espartinez)