MANILA - Malacañang on Sunday expressed dismay over the ambush of eight policemen in Samar involving suspected members of New People's Army (NPA).

"Nakakadismaya rin kung naghahanda kayo sa isang pag-uusap tungkol sa kapayapaan, tapos may mga nangyayari na insidente na ganito," said Palace spokesperson Ricky Carandang.

The policemen were ambushed in Catarman, Northern Samar while on their way to respond to a shooting incident in Barangay Imelda.

"Magsisilbing irritant ito sa kahit na sinong makikipag-usap sa kanila. Pero hindi muna natin masasabi kung magkakaroon ito ng impact sa peace panel," he said. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)