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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Police captain killed in clash with NPAs in Iloilo

Police captain killed in clash with NPAs in Iloilo

Published Feb 13, 2020 12:00 am
By Aaron Recuenco A young police captain was killed in a fierce clash with suspected communist rebels in Janiuay town of Iloilo, a police official said Thursday. Capt. Efren Espanto Jr., team leader of the Reconnaissance Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6, died after he was hit by a bullet in the head. Espanto, 29, is a member of the PNP Academy Class of 2015. Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, director of the Western Visayas regional police, said the clash erupted at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday in Barangay Aglobong. "The two sections of Recon Company, RMFB 6 were conducting combat operation when they encountered the New People's Army," said Pamuspusan. The firefight lasted for 30 minutes and led to the death of Captain Espanto. Pamuspusan said they were saddened by the death of Espanto whom he said has been active in anti-insurgency operations in Panay Island. "On behalf of the entire police force of Western Visayas, I express my deepest condolences to the family of our hero, Captain Efren Espanto, Jr.," said Pamuspusan. "He made the ultimate sacrifice in order for the people of Iloilo, for the people of Western Visayas, and for the entire Filipino people to be free from the threat and influence of the NPA," he added. Reports stated that the communist rebels also suffered casualties during the clash. Pamuspusan said he had already ordered for an all-out pursuit operations against the communist rebels.
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