By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

At least one police officer was wounded after a police detachment was reportedly attacked last Monday by an undetermined number of suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Bulado, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Police identified the wounded cop as Police Officer 1 Elvis John Lucasan, a resident of Barangay Hinakpan in the said city.

Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOrPPO) director, Police Senior Superintendent Raul Tacaca, said the communist rebels opened fire at the police outpost, which triggered an almost 10-minute gun battle.

The rebels later withdrew, while Lucasan was rushed to a hospital in the city for treatment.

Tacaca said it is unclear if the rebels also suffered casualties.

Both NOrPPO and the Philippine Army are presently coordinating with each other in pursuing the rebels./DGB, WDJ