Intel cop survives ambush try in front of Batangas police station; 2 others hurt

BATANGAS CITY-An intelligence police officer and two civilians were injured after a motorcycle-riding gunman shot them in front of the Batangas City police station, police on Thursday said.

Police Officer 2 Bernie Closa was hit in the chest and was taken to a hospital in Batangas, said Sr. Inspector Hazel Luma-ang, spokesperson of the Batangas provincial police.

The two other victims were identified as Manuelito Marasigan, a police “striker” or a civilian helper at the station, and bystander Arjhay Garcia, who was hit by a stray bullet, police said.

According to a police report, the lone gunman on a motorcycle drove by and shot at Closa and Marasigan who were walking outside the police station around 7 p.m. Wednesday before fleeing the scene.

Luma-ang said Closa was actually on leave as he was set to be married this month but was asked to report to the station on Thursday by the new city police chief.

“We think this was work-related. (Closa) had been handling several cases, among them drug-related,” she added.

Luma-ang said follow up police operations were conducted early Thursday to track down the gunman.    /muf