Cops eye ‘gun-for-hire’ group in assault of Espino convoy

MANILA, Philippines — Police are looking into the possibility that a “gun-for-hire” group was behind the attack against former Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. on Wednesday, September 11.

Espino survived the ambush but one of his aides was killed.

READ: Ex-Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. hurt in ambush; 1 aide killed

Pangasinan police chief Col. Rederico Maranan said they have recovered high-powered guns including two M14 rifles and a customized M16 rifle from the crime scene.

“Based on our assessment, talagang gun-for-hire group na hindi sila pipichugin. Based sa mga gamit na nakuha natin na high-powered, eh mga bago. Saka mga kilos nila tinitingnan natin maganda ang planning,” Maranan said in a press briefing.

After interviewing some witnesses, Maranan said there are around 10 armed men that attacked Espino and his security aides.

“Binilang namin mga sampu [ang suspects]… anim nakikita natin sa labas. May driver ‘yan, bawat sasakyan siguro apat-apat meron,” he said.

Espino together with his aides were traversing Barangay Magtaking in San Carlos City on Wednesday afternoon when the gunmen attacked.

Maranan said Espino sustained gunshot wounds in his stomach and is now in stable condition. One of Espino’s aides, PSSg Richard Esguerra, who died in the ambush, sustained several gunshot wounds in his head and body.

READ: Ex-Pangasinan gov now out of danger after ambush

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