3 cops wounded in ambush in Oriental Mindoro

MANILA, Philippines — Three police officers were wounded in an ambush staged by still unidentified assailants in Socorro town, Oriental Mindoro on Tuesday.

Chief Master Sergeant Ivan Fortus, Senior Master Sergeant Irene Lazo, and Corporal Ivy Carmona were on board a police mobile patrol vehicle traversing Barangay Pasi II at about 7:45 a.m. when the assailants suddenly opened fire, police said.

Lt. Col. Socrates Faltado, information officer of the Mimaropa police, said that Nolito dela Cruz, village chief of Palayan, Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, was also hurt in during the ambush.

An initial report from Oriental Mindoro police said a loud explosion was also heard at the ambush site before the gunshots.

The police officers were able to evade the ambush and managed to drive away from the area.

Police said the victims were members of the Mobile Patrol unit of the Pinamalayan Municipal Police who were bound for Calapan City to attend a radio program.

Police said the three wounded officers were rushed to Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital. /jpv