This is how former Pangasinan governor and congressman Amado Espino's vehicle looks like after the ambush in San Carlos City. (Aksyon Radyo Pangasinan Facebook)

SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan―The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) has recovered the two suspected getaway vehicles used by the suspects in the assassination attempt on former governor and congressman Amado Espino Jr.

PPPO director Col. Redrico Maranan said their team recovered a red Hyundai hatchback parked in Barangay Cobol here while the other vehicle, a metallic blue Ford Everest, was found in Malasiqui town.

“There were high-powered firearms in the vehicles and the investigators are processing the evidence,” Maranan said, adding that the closed-circuit television and dash cam footages as well as witnesses are being examined by the police.

A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Espino, composed of the PPPO, Crime Investigation and Detection Group Regional Office (Ilocos) and the Police Regional Office, was formed to hasten the investigation.

“Rest assured we are doing everything to solve this case,” Maranan said.

A wounded Amado Espino is wheeled to the hospital after the ambush. (Aksyon Radyo Pangasinan Facebook photo)

Security has been provided the family of the 71-year-old Espino, who is now in stable condition after the incident that happened at around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday in Barangay Magtaking. He is recuperating at the Blessed Family Doctors General Hospital.

Philippine National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said that based on initial reports, Espino was on board a Toyota Land Cruiser (plate number AS 8236) driven by Agapito Quizon together with PSSg. Jayon Malsi with back-up security onboard a black Toyota Innova (Conduction Sticker: A3A913) driven by retired police Anthony Columbino, with PSSg. Richard Esguerra and Kervin Marbori, when they were fired upon by still unidentified suspects armed with long firearms.

Esguerra, killed on the spot, was the lone fatality. (With a report from Francis T. Wakefield)