Victoria, Northern Samar on lockdown after NPA attack

CATARMAN Northern Samar—The sleepy town of Victoria, Northern Samar was placed on lockdown after suspected New People’s Army rebels attacked the police station on the eve of the NPA’s 50^th anniversary.

Kenneth Joey Balase, municipal local operations officer, said the entire town proper of Victoria was placed on lockdown in a bid to round up the rebels who attacked the police station.

“No one is allowed at this time to go out in the streets,” Balase said.

At least 50 suspected rebels clad in military uniforms attacked the police station before 4a.m.

The 15 police officers on duty positioned themselves on the rooftop of the station and shot at the rebels – including several women.

Three of the suspected rebels were killed while another was captured.

Police Senior Master Sergeant Arturo Gordo Jr. and  Police Master Sergeant Arnold Cabacang suffered shrapnel wounds but were last listed in stable condition. / gsg