SENIOR Superintendent Henry Biñas, acting director of Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (Norppo), said on Tuesday, August 15, they have already identified the perpetrators behind the Guihulngan City ambush incident last July 21.
“We do not want to rush things on this matter. We want to be careful about this,” Biñas said, adding that the investigation is still ongoing.
He added that Guihulngan City Councilor Edison de la Rita is considered to be a person of interest and is being investigated about his possible involvement in the incident perpetrated by New People's Army (NPA) that killed six policemen and injured three others.
Biñas also confirmed that De la Rita's name was included in the target list of the NPA, based on the documents recovered by the Philippine Army.
He said there were reports that the councilor was missing, but sometimes seen at the Guihulngan City Hall.
On July 21, Superintendent Arnel Arpon, city police chief, Senior Police Officer 2 Mecasio Tabilon, Senior Police Officer 2 Teovic Agosto, Senior Police Officer 1 Jesael Ancheta, Police Officer 2 Alvin Paul Bulandres, and Police Officer 2 Alfredo Dunque, were killed in action when they responded to De la Rita's call for police assistance.
The councilor reported that he was ambushed by the rebels.
Senior Police Officer 4 Jerome Delara, Police Officer 3 Jordan Balderas, and Police Officer 2 Jorie Maribao were wounded in the incident.
Ten days later, the NPA admitted executing the ambush incident.
Despite the rebels’ admission, Biñas said the court has the final judgment on the matter.
He said all policemen in the province are in place and ready in case of rebel attack.
Despite their preparedness, he still mentioned the need to designate military troops to help fight the insurgency problem in Negros Oriental.
“We know the capabilities of the police in maintaining peace and order, but we have to also coordinate with the army on reported sightings,” Biñas said.