1-2-2024 (MANILA) A deadly clash unfolded in Santa Margarita, Samar, on Tuesday, January 30, resulting in the deaths of at least three policemen and leaving four others wounded as law enforcement officers attempted to apprehend the alleged leader of an armed group.
The target of the operation was Edito Ampoan, a resident of Mahayag village in Santa Margarita, facing charges for murder, frustrated murder, and frustrated homicide issued by a local court.
According to reports from the Samar police office, the slain officers were identified as Master Sergeant Paul Terence Paclibar, Staff Sergeant Christian Tallo, and Corporal Eliazar Estrelles Jr. The wounded included Corporal Ranel Pedamato, and patrolmen Mark Redoblado, Mark Jason Sixta, and Ham Kritner Cabalis.
Members of the 1st Samar Police Mobile Force Company and Regional Mobile Force Battalion encountered fierce resistance from Ampoan’s group while attempting to serve the warrant at 5 am on Tuesday.
Colonel Peter Limbauan, Philippine National Police-Samar director, disclosed that Ampoan, also known as Jimboy, evaded capture along with two accomplices identified as Jojo Altarejos and Rogelio Macurol. However, four other suspects were apprehended during the exchange of gunfire, and authorities seized an M16 rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, and ammunition.
Limbauan has initiated a manhunt for Ampoan and the remaining suspects who managed to flee the scene.
Army Captain Jefferson Mariano of the Army’s Public Affairs Office in Eastern Visayas stated that soldiers were dispatched to assist in transporting the wounded officers from Barangay Mahayag to Calbayog Hospital. Additionally, military units have been deployed to aid in apprehending the suspects and neutralizing other armed groups that have disrupted peace and order in Samar.
“It is also our responsibility to support the operations of the PNP,” Mariano affirmed.
Limbauan reiterated his commitment to bringing Ampoan and the other fugitives to justice, acknowledging the sacrifice of the fallen officers.
“The sacrifice made by [our policemen] fuels our passion to seek justice. We also honor our wounded comrades who fought,” Limbauan declared.
