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(Editors note: There’s an updated version of this breaking news. Please click this link: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1039595/5-pdea-agents-dead-in-ambush-in-lanao-del-sur)
Five agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were killed and two others were injured in an ambush in Barangay Malna in Kapai, Lanao del Sur on Friday.
The still unidentified assailants opened fire at the PDEA agents who were onboard a van on their way to Marawi City after attending a program for drug surrenderers at Tagoloan Municipal Police Station.
The victims were immediately taken to Amai Pakpak Medical Center but agents Kenneth Tabulo, Kristine Mae Torlao, Lores Joy Amar and Binzo Dipolla were declared dead on arrival.
Another PDEA agent Diobel Pacinio died while undergoing treatment, according to a report from the police.
Meanwhile, Rachel Gentapanan of PDEA and non-uniformed personnel Normina Dicay are still confined at the hospital.
Authorities have yet to determine the number of the assailants in the attack.
Officers of the Tagoloan and Kapai Municipal Police Stations have responded to the crime scene and launched pursuit operations for the perpetrators.
Police are still investigating the incident./ac