Ex-Pangasinan gov now out of danger after ambush

DAGUPAN CITY–Former Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr. was wounded but is now out of danger following an ambush on his vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser, on Wednesday, Sept. 11, police said.

Espino’s group, police said, was at the village of Magtaking in San Carlos City around 4:30 p.m. when the gunmen attacked.

One of Espino’s aides, a policeman, was killed during the ambush while Espino was taken to Holy Blessed Family Hospital, also in San Carlos City, for treatment, San Carlos City Mayor Julier Resuello said.

Resuello clarified that only one aide was killed, not two as reported earlier.

Four of Espino’s other aides, including his driver, were severely wounded in the ambush, Resuello said.

Some of the aides were on board a Toyota Innova that served as a backup vehicle.

Resuello said Espino’s driver was able to take the vehicle to the hospital after the ambush. The crime scene was 150 meters from the hospital.

Inquirer sources said security aides shielded Espino during the attack.

Resuello said Espino suffered gunshot wounds in the arm and body but is now out of danger.

Investigators said they have yet to determine the motive for the attack.

Espino also served as a former representative of Pangasinan’s 5th District. Yolanda Sotelo/TSB