A young police captain was killed in a fierce clash with suspected communist rebels the other day in Janiuay, Iloilo.
Police Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, director of the Western Visayas police, identified the fatality as Capt. Efren Espanto Jr., team leader of the Reconnaissance Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6.
Espanto, 29, is a member of the PNP Academy Class of 2015.
Pamuspusan said the clash erupted at 5:45 p.m. in Barangay Aglobong.
“The two sections of Recon Company, RMFB 6 were conducting combat operation when they encountered the New People’s Army,” said Pamuspusan.
The clash lasted for 30 minutes and led to the death of Espanto who was hit in the head.
Pamuspusan said they are saddened by the death of Espanto whom he said has been active in anti-insurgency operations on Panay Island.
“On behalf of the entire police force of Western Visayas, I express my deepest condolences to the family of our hero, Capt. Efren Espanto, Jr.,” said Pamuspusan.
“He made the ultimate sacrifice in order for the people of Iloilo, for the people of Western Visayas, and for the entire Filipino people to be free from the threat and influence of the NPA,” he added.
Reports stated that the communist rebels also suffered casualties during the clash. Pamuspusan said he has ordered an all-out pursuit operation against the communist rebels. (Aaron Recuenco)
