2 cops, teen hurt in attack allegedly by NPA in Negros Occidental

Police investigators conduct a probe following the attack allegedly staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Bi-ao, Binalbagan town, Negros Occidental on Sunday. (Contributed photo)

BACOLOD CITY – Two policemen and a teenager were injured in an attack allegedly staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Bi-ao, Binalbagan town, Negros Occidental on Sunday, February 13.

Lt. Charles Richard Casalan, Binalbagan deputy police chief, and Cpl. Julius Tranquillero, were on board their Hilux patrol vehicle at about 8:15 a.m. when an improvised explosive device exploded, said Maj. Ellendie Rebusquillo, Binalbagan police chief.

An exchange of gunfire ensued, which wounded a 15-year-old.

Sgt. Brian Ganzon, the driver of the police patrol vehicle, and the other policemen managed to escape.

“The cellular phone of the driver (hanging on his chest) saved him from a bullet headed towards his chest. Instead of hitting the driver’s chest, the bullet shattered his phone,” Rebusquillo said.

The policemen, he said, responded to a report that NPA rebels had killed a person in Sitio Nursery, Barangay Bi-ao.

Before reaching the place, they were reportedly attacked by the communist rebels.

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