By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – Around 300 members of civil society groups in Negros Occidental gathered in Bago City on Tuesday to condemn the killing of a police official who died in an encounter against the New People’s Army (NPA) at Janiuay, Iloilo province on February 12.
The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) and some force multipliers joined the indignation rally held in front of Manuel Y. Torres Coliseum to strongly denounce the inhumane act of the said rebel group, following the death of Police Captain Efren Espanto, team leader of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) -6 based in Dumangas, Iloilo City.
Espanto and his team were conducting a major operation at Barangay Aglobong when they encountered armed men which resulted in a 30-minute gunfight. He was hit during the clash which caused his immediate death.
Nocppo director Colonel Romeo Baleros said in a press release that Espanto’s legacy and bravery will be nailed to every heart of his fellow police officers.
“People admired and hailed him for his utmost dedication for our country and people,” he added.
During the activity, one of the rebel returnees also recalled his experience while he was still in the armed struggle.
He surrendered to the government after he realized the government’s thrust and programs for peace and development.
