SAN JOSE, Antique – Police authorities in this province condemned the recent attack mounted by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Janiuay, Iloilo.
“We condemn to the highest degree the treacherous deed of the NPA,” said Antique Police Provincial Office (APPO) deputy director for operations Lieutenant Colonel Norby Escobar, citing Police Captain Efren Espanto Jr.’s untimely death.
Espanto, team leader of Police Regional Office 6’s (PRO-6) Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 – Reconnaissance Company, was killed during the clash against the communist rebels in the remote barangay of Aglobong in Janiuay on Feb. 13.
According to Escobar, the 29-year-old police official served for two years in this province as chief of police of the Municipality of San Remigio prior to his assignment in Janiuay town.
Escobar added that Espanto was a very promising police officer who could have risen to a general position if not of the fatal ambush.
“As chief of police of San Remigio town, his colleagues had nothing to say but praises,” he said.
Escobar added that Espanto’s death has deprived his wife of a good husband and a better father to their 11-month-old child.
“The Antique police condole with the family of Captain Espanto,” he said.
Due to the happening, the APPO Mobile Force has been directed to take extra measures in their operations and to intensify its intelligence in order to avoid similar misfortunes.
“The police are instructed to establish their defensive security posture” and also offensive operations against the NPA depending on the situation, Escobar said. (With a report from PNA/PN)
