5 cops abducted in Davao City

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 19): 5 cops abducted in Davao City

Five policemen were intercepted and now being held as hostages by armed men, suspected to be New People’s Army (NPA), on Saturday in Paquibato District, Davao City.

Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, spokesman for the Philippine National Police (PNP), said that all efforts are now being undertaken to ensure the safety of the five lawmen, led by Chief Insp. Leonardo Tarongoy.

The five policemen were aboard patrol No. 82 and were performing law enforcement function at around 12 noon on Saturday when they were abducted by a group of heavily-armed men wearing military uniform along Purok 5, Barangay Mapula, Paquibato District, Davao City.

On the same day, at about 7 a.m. NPA rebels raided a military detachment in Sitio Quiman Anao, Barangay Salapawan also in Paquibato District where the communists carted away 19 high-powered firearms.

The rebels overran the detachment and left one of the nine personnel wounded after a firefight.

“The PNP condemns this lawless act against PNP personnel who were only performing their duty to serve and protect the people. These police officers are but citizens who are working for the improvement of the standard of living of the people in Region 11,” Mayor said.

“On the other hand, Police Regional Office (PRO 11) is exerting efforts to track down the suspects and establish the location and ensure safety of the victims. We assure the kin of these policemen that the PNP will exhaust all possible means to bring them back,” he added.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/5-cops-abducted-in-davao-city