Masbate cop killed in ambush

By Mar S. Arguelles LEGAZPI CITY --- A policeman was killed while another was wounded in an ambush Sunday morning believed carried out by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in barangay Buyo, a remote village of San Fernando town in Masbate, report reaching the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol said Monday, Nov. 13. Killed was Police Officer 1 Matthew Galindez Baybayon while PO1 Edgarde Artocillo Demingoy was wounded when attacked by a group of communist rebels at about 9:00 a.m. last Nov. 12, according to Sr. Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PNP Bicol spokesperson. Quoting a spot report, Calubaquib said the victims, both members of the 5th Regional Public Safety Battalion based in Barangay Canares, Batuan town, were investigating a shooting incident that took place in Barangay Buyo, San Fernando town, also in Masbate. They were waylaid by the rebels while on their way back to their station, the report said. The rebels carted away the two service firearms of the victim. Responding police rushed the wounded cop to the Sto. Nino Medical Clinic and later transferred to the MC Hospital in Masbate City. Recovered from the ambush area were empty shells for M203, M16, M14 and AK 47 assault rifles.