ONE of the policemen wounded in an explosion in Las Navas, Northern Samar had died, bringing the fatalities in the incident to two, said Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo on Wednesday, April 6, 2022.
Fajardo identified the second fatality as Patrolman Rico Borja, who was earlier reported as among those wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated by suspected communist rebels last April 4.
The first fatality was identified as Patrolman Harvie Cortez Lovino, 30, who immediately died after the incident, which happened in Barangay San Miguel, Las Navas town.
The attack also wounded Corporal Arvin Papong, Private First Class Whilydel Jic Rodona, and Private First Class Wilmer Del Monte, who are still undergoing treatment.
READ: Cops in hot pursuit of rebel groups in Northern Samar attack
As reported, the troops were on their way back to their station after receiving their booster doses when the IED, believed to be planted by the rebels, exploded.
Fajardo said a province-wide pursuit operation was activated against the perpetrators. (SunStar Philippines)