Agusan governor survives ambush

MANILA, Philippines - Communist rebels ambushed yesterday a convoy of the Agusan del Norte governor, but the official was unhurt.

1st Lt. Patrick Martinez, deputy spokesman for the 4th Infantry Division, said Gov. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba was unharmed, but one of her police officer escorts was wounded in the attack that occurred at about 11:20 a.m. in Barangay Camagong, Nasipit town.

“Policemen escorting the governor fought back and repulsed the rebels,” Martinez said.

Matba was on her way to Sitio Mimbahandi for a turnover ceremony of a new school building when the rebels waylaid her convoy.

Other reports said the ambush occurred while Matba was on her way home.

Army troops, in coordination with their police counterparts, were tracking down the rebels, Martinez said.

The attack came three days before the New People’s Army celebrates its founding anniversary.

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