Cop believed killed by NPAs in Eastern Samar town

ORMOC CITY, Philippines — A member of the intelligence group of the Second Eastern Samar Police Mobile Force Company (ESPMFC) was found dead by residents at around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday in Barangay Cambella, Quinapundan town, Eastern Samar.

Police Lieutenant Perfecto Tolosa, chief of the Quinapundan Police Station, said Patrolman Michael Felipe Ribo, 27, may have been killed by members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

In an interview, Tolosa said Cherry Gay Ayhon, Chairman of Barangay Cambella claimed that around 50 members of the NPA were seen in the village before Ribo was killed.

He said Ribo was in Quinapundan town to gather information about the incident.

While conducting surveillance operations, Tolosa said Ribo was shot to death.

Tolosa said it took them six hours to recover the victim’s remains due to the reported presence of the communist rebels in the area. (Editor: Eden Estopace)