NPA attacks mayor’s property in Isabela; guard hurt

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (May 8): NPA attacks mayor’s property in Isabela; guard hurt

A SECURITY guard was injured in a gunfire after suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) raided the property of Mayor Enrique Montilla III of Isabela, Negros Occidental Saturday morning.

Inspector Joseph Partidas, deputy town police chief, identified the victim as Melvin Tovis, 49, of Barangay Libas, who is employed by Diamond Star Security Agency.

About 15 rebels took over a guard post, manned by three security guards, at the property owned by Montilla at around 10 a.m., Partidas said.

The rebels then disarmed the guards and took their .38 caliber revolver and shotgun.

Unknown to the rebels, one of the guards was able to send a radio message to their colleagues and asked for assistance.

The rebels, who were armed with AK-47 and M16 rifles, were heard shouting, “Mabuhay ang NPA!”

When the rebels were about to leave, Tovis and his companion arrived to rescue the other guards.

An exchange of fire followed, and Tovis was hit in his right leg. He was rushed to a hospital.

Partidas said the rebels fled towards a mountainous area.

He added that have yet to establish if the attack was politically-motivated as they are still conducting an investigation.

Police and the army are conducting pursuit operations.

Partidas said that after the attack, troops from the Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police and the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army were deployed to the town.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2016/05/08/npa-attacks-mayors-property-isabela-guard-hurt-472386