Palawan forest ranger hacked to death

MANILA, Philippines — A forest ranger was hacked to death by suspected illegal loggers in El Nido, Palawan on Wednesday.

Bienvinido Veguilla, 44, was attacked by a certain Fernan Flores and his companions, Lt. Col. Socrates Faltado, Mimaropa police spokesman, said.

Faltado said the victim and five other forest rangers responded to reports that illegal loggers were cutting trees in Sitio Kinagawan, Barangay Pasadena.

He said the forest rangers were on their way back to their office after confiscating a chainsaw when the suspects armed with a gun and bolos blocked their path.

Faltado said Veguilla managed to shoot Flores, who was arrested. ­

A manhunt for the other suspects is underway.