Cop killed, wife wounded in Ilocos Sur

MANILA, Philippines—A day before welcoming the New Year, a police couple was attacked by four men in Ilocos Sur Friday night, leaving the husband dead and his pregnant wife wounded, a police spokesperson said Saturday.

Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., spokesman of the Philippine National Police, identified the victims as Police Officer 2 Rufino Rapacon, 36, and his wife Senior Police Officer 1 Florence Rapacon, 34, both of Ilocos Sur provincial police.

The four suspects, identified as brothers Ronnie, Rolly, Roberto and Roger Bautista, who allegedly stabbed the couple after having a misunderstanding at Barangay Plaza in Cabaroan, Bantay town, Ilocos Sur at around 10:35 p.m.

Rufino was able to retaliate, according to Chief Superintendent Frank Bucayu, who heads Police Regional Office 1, saying that the wounded policeman was able to shoot Ronnie three times, also wounding Rolly.

Cruz however said that Rufino was declared dead on arrival when he and his wife were rushed by authorities to a nearby hospital.

Ilocos Sur provincial police officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Noel Amoyen said that Florence, who was about seven months pregnant, was already in a stable condition. “The baby in her womb was not affected,” he added.

All suspects have been taken under custody by the Bantay police station and have undergone inquest for murder and frustrated murder, said Amoyen.