MANILA, Philippines — A policeman died after an encounter on Thursday with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who tried to kidnap him in Agusan del Norte.
SPO3 Reil Morgado, 46, of Santiago Municipal Police Station, noticed suspicious men loitering around his house in Barangay Jagupit at around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, according to a report from the Caraga police on Friday.
Police said Morgado went outside the house to check, but members of the NPA immediately fired at him when they sensed that he was prepared to defend himself.
Morgado managed to retaliate but eventually fell with multiple gunshots. The suspects immediately fled the crime scene through motorcycles after taking Morgado’s 9mm pistol.
Police said a confidential informant led them to Barangay Poblacion 1 where they arrested three drivers of two motorcycles believed to have been used by the suspects.
Police identified the suspects as Renato Caerleng, 34; James Caerleng, 18; and Riedel Cabello, 26.
Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde assured the family of the slain policeman of benefits due to police personnel who died in the line of duty.
“SPO1 Morgado did not die in vain because someone will take his place to accomplish the unfinished mission,” he said.
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Wednesday ordered its armed wing, the NPA, to “mount tactical offensives across the country” in response to the Congress-approved third extension of martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2019.
READ: CPP orders NPA to escalate attacks vs gov’t forces nationwide
The Caraga police has alerted its personnel to observe personal security as it uncovered plans of the CPP-NPA to hostage police officers.
The move aims to pressure the government to declare a ceasefire for the holiday season, which coincides with the 50th founding anniversary of the communist movement on December 26, police said. /ee
READ: PNP on heightened alert amid order for NPA to escalate attacks