Family of ex-Pangasinan gov Espino Jr. condemns ambush

SAN CARLOS CITY –– The family of former Pangasinan governor Amado Espino Jr. condemned the ambush on their 71-year-old patriarch by unknown assailants on Wednesday afternoon.

In a statement released Thursday morning, the Espino family said they were also saddened by the attack that happened about 4:30 p.m. in Barangay Magtaking here.

Espino and four of his bodyguards survived the ambush but his police security aide was killed on the spot.

According to Espino’s family, they were still waiting for the result of the investigation being carried out by authorities.

“Umaasa po kami na mabilis na matukoy at mahuli ang mga salarin at lahat ng mga nasa likod ng krimen na ito,” the family said.

(We hope the killers and those behind this crime would be identified and arrested fast.)

Espino, who also served as a congressman of Pangasinan’s 5th district, is already in a stable condition, the family said.

The Espino family also extended their condolences to the family of the killed aide identified as Police Cpl. Richard Esguerra.

Police said Espino and his aides were on board a two-car convoy when the gunmen attacked them. /lzb