PNP still confirming reports about ambush of Calbayog City mayor

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) was trying to confirm reports that Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino and his bodyguards had been ambushed on Monday (March 8).

Reports about the ambush reached the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, according to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana in a statement.

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas ordered Brig. Gen. Ronaldo de Jesus, Eastern Visayas police chief, to investigate “the supposed encounter,” said Usana.

“We will keep the public informed at the soonest possible time,” he added.

A regional police report said that Aquino and three of his bodyguards were on the Laboyao Bridge at the village of Lonoy in Calbayog City, Samar province when they were fired upon by gunmen aboard two vehicles.

The mayor’s group was able to fire back, triggering a gunfight, the reports said. One of the gunmen was killed.

A post from the Calbayog City public information office said the mayor died in the evening a few hours after the gunfight. The post said “Requiescat in pace (Rest in peace) Mayor Ronaldo Aquino.”

TSB