Shots allegedly fired at Enrile's convoy

THE convoy of Senatorial candidate Jack Enrile was allegedly fired upon in Mawab, Compostela Valley Tuesday afternoon, but no one was hurt in the incident.

Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commander of the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division's Civil Military Operation Battalion (CMOBN), in a text message said the convoy composed of police escorts of Enrile was shot upon on a highway at Sitio Banga in Barangay Sawangan in Mawab in Compostela Valley around 3:30 p.m.

In a phone interview, Senior Superintendent Camilo Cascolan, chief of the Compostela Valley Provincial Police Office (CVPPO), said the convoy was heading to Tagum City.

"Upon reaching Tagum City, the police and military troops checked the vehicle and found out that a police mobile patrol was hit at the front passenger side near the door knob," Cascolan said.

Enrile said he was two vehicles away from the mobile patrol that was hit. He said he believed he was not the target of the suspects behind the shooting, though he condemned such moved.

"I will not speculate on who fired the shots, to whom it's intended target was, or the motive behind the incident. I am just extremely grateful that none of us was hurt," Enrile said.

Cascolan said they are now conducting investigation on what kind of firearm was used during the shootout. He added that they suspected the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) as behind on the incident.

"Wala pa tayong exact identity of suspect behind the shootout but we've already thought of the NPA. It can be their diversional tactics kasi we're on the hot pursuit operation against them after they abduct one of our personnel here in Compostela Valley," Cascolan said.

Obligado had the same observation as they believed no one will do such violent moved in the area but the communist rebels.

He added that until now the rebels have yet to release Police Officer 3 Ruben Nojapa, who was abducted in Nabunturan town on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Ronald M. dela Rosa, director of the Davao City Police Office, spearheaded a security conference yesterday at their conference room, following the incident in Mawab town in Compostela Valley.

Dela Rosa ordered anew the 12 police station commanders, including the government troops assigned in Marilog District and Paquibato District to strictly implement their security measures so as to keep the public in the city safe. (Ivy C. Tejano)