SUSPECTED communist rebels killed four policemen and wounded a fifth in an ambush on Wednesday morning in Davao del Sur, an official said.
Sources said that incident could derail the possible resumption of the peace talks between the government and the rebels that were stalled following a series of ceasefire violations by the rebels.
Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan said the four policemen were in a patrol car and responding to a murder case in Bansalan town when they were attacked around 7:30 a.m.
The slain policemen were identified as PO3 Jayden May Rabor, a member of the Davao del Sur Scene-of-the Crime Operatives; PO1 Rolly Benelayo, PO1 Saro Mangutara and PO1 Joe Narvaza, all members of the Bansalan Municipal Police Station.
The wounded policeman was identified as PO3 Allen Arnado.
Reports said the policemen had been tasked to respond to a murder case involving a civilian, a former police informer.
At exactly 6:30 a.m., the policemen on board two patrol cars were sent to the crime scene, and while on their way the other patrol car fetched a team of SOCO technicians.
An hour later, the patrol car carrying the SOCO personnel were ambushed while 100 meters from the crime scene.
Davao del Sur Police Chief Samuel Cadingan said the four policemen were apparently shot at close range.
“They all had gunshot wounds in the head and they were not shot from afar,” Cadingan said.
He said PO3 Arnado fell off the car during the initial volley.
“He fell and rolled into a ditch and the gunmen did not see him,” Cadingan said.
On Feb. 21, four members of the Kalinga Provincial Police were killed in a firefight after a high-value target they were ordered to arrest resisted.