Task force formed to probe ambush on ex-Pangasinan gov

SAN CARLOS CITY –– Authorities on Thursday formed a special task force to investigate the ambush on former Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino Jr.

At a press conference, Pol. Col. Redrico Maranan, Pangasinan police director, said Special Task Force Espino would be composed of the provincial policemen, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and other police units.

Maranan said they have recovered the two vehicles used by the gunmen during the ambush.

He said one of the vehicles, a red Hyundai Elantra with conduction sticker MR 6318, was abandoned in Barangay Cubol, about 2 kilometers from the crime scene.

Police described the other vehicle as a blue silver Ford Everest with conduction sticker COL 613.

Maranan said the driver of Espino’s backup vehicle, a black Toyota Innova, was unhurt during the attack and immediately left the crime scene.

Espino, who also served as a congressman of Pangasinan’s 5th district, is already in a stable condition, the family said.

His police aide was killed on the spot while four other security aides were wounded.

Police said Espino and his aides were on board a two-car convoy when the gunmen attacked them about 4:30 p.m. in Barangay Magtaking here./lzb