Authorities reported that a police officer was ambushed by unidentified gunmen — believed to be members of the New People's Army — near his residence at Purok 2, Sitio Cagduyong, Barangay Ginablan in Pilar, Sorsogon which resulted to his immediate death on Monday.
The victim — identified as Police Executive Master Sergeant Israel Azotia Rebosura — was almost near his house under construction when an undisclosed number of gunmen peppered him with bullets.
According to reports from the Pilar Municipal Police Station, they received information of the shooting from the residents in the area and immediately dispatched operatives from the local police and the 504th Regional Mobile Force Brigade 5.
However, the authorities were not able to catch the perpetrators.
Initial investigation showed that the victim was able to fight it out but was outnumbered, as his gun was drawn and found in a ravine near his lifeless body.
Meantime, the Police Regional Office 5 condemned the killing of the police officer.
"This inhumane and unacceptable act is a vivid proof the true color of the rebel groups which endanger and deprive lives of innocent individuals who selflessly offers themselves in the name of public service," said the PRO5 in a statement.
PRO5 regional director PBGEN Rudolph Dimas, on the other hand, vowed to intensify efforts to neutralize terror threats in the region.
"We are saddened and lament the demise of our brother in service. We cannot tolerate this kind of acts. Your KASUROG cops with our AFP counterparts, assures the public that we will committedly do our fair share to go after these lawless elements and serve justice to the victim," Dimas said.
