THREE police officers were hurt when they were ambushed by suspected communist rebels in Socorro, Oriental Mindoro on Tuesday morning, September 24.

A report reaching Camp Crame said the suspected rebels fired at the mobile patrol vehicle of the Pinamalayan Municipal Police Station at around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Pasi.

Onboard the vehicle were five police officers, including the Pinamalayan police chief.

Chief Master Sergeant Ivan Fortus, Senior Master Sergeant Irene Lazo and Corporal Ivy Carmona were wounded while Pinamalayan Municipal Police Station Chief Ruelito Magtibay and Patrolman Raquel Generoso, who was driving the vehicle, were unharmed.

The police officers were on their way to attend a radio program in Calapan City when they were attacked.

Generoso continued driving the vehicle away from the site of the attack.

Barangay Pasi 2 Chairman Danilo Caspe said they heard a loud explosion followed by a burst of gunfire from the site.

The wounded officers were brought to the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital.

Police recovered sacks painted with the message, “Stop NPA ambush on-going.” NPA refers to the New People’s Army, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Investigation on the incident is ongoing. (SunStar Philippines)