2 cops hurt in rebel attack in Sorsogon town

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – At least two policemen were wounded when New People’s Army rebels attacked a police station in the town of Barcelona  in Sorsogon Friday evening, police said Saturday.

Inspector Edgar Azotea, Barcelona police chief, said the rebels, who numbered around 30 and were armed with M16 rifles, positioned themselves at the police station’s gate near the town hall and opened fire at around 11:30 p.m.

He said the 12 policemen on duty fired back at the rebels, leading to a firefight that lasted for about an hour.

Apparently sensing that they could not overrun the police station, the rebels withdrew toward the neighboring town of Bulusan, Azotea said.

Wounded in the firefight were Police Officer 3 Joel Encinares and Police Officer 1 Jessie Doloiras. They suffered superficial wounds in the ear and hands, respectively.

Chief Superintendent Cecillo Calleja Jr., Bicol police director, said in a phone interview he has directed the provincial police chief to dispatch more men to track down the rebels.

Calleja commended Azotea and his men for defending the police station despite being outnumbered.