PNP Chief Visits Slain, Wounded Cops in Samar Misencounter

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde arrived in the city yesterday to extend sympathy and assistance to the families of the victims in an alleged misencounter on Monday between the patrolling cops and soldiers in Sitio Lunoy, San Roque Village, Sta. Rita Samar that resulted to the death of six young police officers and injury of nine others.

Upon arrival, he first met the police officials in the region where afterwards, he visited the slain policemen at St. Peter’s funeral homes where he extended sympathy to the families.

On the same day, he visited the wounded police officers at Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center (EVRMC) where he awarded them the Medalya Ng Sugatang Magiting in the presence of their families and some local media.

In a short interview, the PNP chief said he feels sad of what had happened knowing that six of his men died during the incident but said “I think nobody wants it to happen.”

“Tayo po ay nakikiramay sa mga namatayang pulis natin. I’m sure the 190 thousand strong police force ay nagdadalamhati sa nagyaring ito at walang gusto naman sa nagyaring ito both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police,” he said.

He assured that the Philippine government will provide the necessary assistance to the slain and wounded police officers which include the presidential social fund, medical and burial benefits.

“Police officers who were killed while on duty are also entitled to full benefits,” he further said.

A national board of inquiry and a special investigation task force in the region will conduct an investigation of the incident and it will be completed as soon as possible. However, the level of coordination between the two forces will be taken into consideration.

The Philippine flag at the Philippine National Police regional headquarters, Camp Kangleon Palo, Leyte is at half-mast in honor of the fallen cops. (AJC/CBA/PIA-8)