(Eagle News) – Malacanang on Sunday, Oct. 21, denounced the attack on the convoy of a top official of the Food and Drug Administration that resulted in the death of at least three police escorts last Thursday, Oct. 18.
The ambush on the FDA director general Nela Puno transpired along the national highway of Brgy. Napolidan, Lupi, Camarines Sur. Three other policemen were also wounded.
“We strongly denounce the ambush of Food and Drug Authority (FDA) Director-General Nela Charade G. Puno and her convoy in Camarines Sur which left at least three policemen dead and three others wounded,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Panelo sent Malacanang’s condolences to the families of the slain police officers, namely SPO1 Percival S Rafael, O3 Carlito S Navarroza, and PO1 Ralph Jason D Vida.
Puno and her convoy were on their way to Daet, Camarines Norte when the ambush took place.
While Puno was unharmed, she had been advised not to attend the wake of the slain policemen for her own safety.
“We likewise send our prayers and thoughts for the speedy recovery of the policemen who were wounded during this brazen assault,” Panelo said.
The wounded police officers were identified as PO1 Jonathan P. Perillo, PO1 Ruby S. Buena, and PO1 Rodolfo F. Gonzaga.
Some 20 armed men attacked the convoy Thursday night, at 9:10 a.m. A police report said that “route security personnel from the 1st Camarines Sur PPSC were able to immediately respond to the area and retaliate, thereby suppressing the enemy and preventing further damages/casualties.”
Malacanang has vowed that those involved and those behind the ambush incident would be captured, charged and brought to justice.
