Cop slain in Mindoro clash with Reds

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — A police officer was killed while another was wounded in an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Malamig, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro on Thursday night.

Superintendent Socrates Faltado, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) police spokesman, identified the fatality as Police Officer 3 Edwin Encarnacion.

PO3 John-John Morente was wounded and brought to a hospital for treatment.

Faltado said the victims are personnel of the 2nd Provincial Force Company, who were deployed in the vicinity of PMI Construction after receiving reports on the presence of communist guerrillas.

In Cagayan, suspected NPA rebels burned heavy equipment owned by Camia Construction Co. in Barangay Pared, Alcala also on Thursday. 

Senior Superintendent Ignacio Cumigad, Cagayan police director, said the rebels, who were reportedly wearing camouflage uniform, poured gasoline on three cement mixers, two trucks and a steam roller before setting them on fire.

Camia is constructing a 15-kilometer road project as part of the Philippine Rural Development Program. – Victor Martin, Raymund Catindig