AN IMPROVISED explosive device (IED) hit a newly delivered police car owned by the local government of Surigao City while it was traveling along Pinabacdao town in Samar Monday evening, October 28.
Authorities found the Philippine National Police patrol vehicle marked Toyota Hi-Lux with conduction sticker P3 0532 and marked Surigao City riddled with holes. Some metal fragments were found still attached to the holes of the vehicle.
The left side windows on the front side were all broken, police said.
Based on the drivers' accounts, they came from Toyota Bicutan en route to Surigao City purposely to deliver the Hilux Patrol Vehicle, which was ordered by the local government unit of Surigao City.
Around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, while they were on their way to Tacloban City and upon reaching Pinabacdao town, they heard a sudden explosion, prompting the driver to speed up the vehicle until they reach Barangay San Isidro in Sta. Rita, Samar.
They decided to leave the vehicle for fear of a blocking force ahead of them.
The victims were identified as Lauro Silesa III, 45, driver, from Pasig City, and Rustom Patagan, 42, marketing professional of Toyota Bicutan and a resident Taguig City.
They then rented a motorcycle locally known as "habal-habal" to ferry them to San Juanico Detachment were they reported the incident.
Police are conducting a follow-up operation over the incident. (SunStar Philippines)