MANILA, Philippines — Two members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were killed during an encounter with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Barangay (village) Lonoy in Gamay town, Northern Samar on Saturday.
According to the PNP, SAF commandos Pat. Franklin Marquez and Pat. Jimmy Caraggayan died when an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated during the encounter.
“We express our condolences to the families of Pat. Franklin Marquez at Pat. Jimmy Caraggayan. Our snappy salute to the bravery they have shown. They were killed in the line of duty defending our country against insurgency. We would want to recognize the valor of four other troop members who were injured during the firefight,” PNP Chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said in a statement on Sunday.
Police are conducting a follow-up investigation for the arrest of the suspects.
The PNP said it will also extend financial support to the bereaved families of police officers Marquez and Caraggayan.