Councilor under probe for his ‘role’ in ambush

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Guihulngan City Councilor Edison Dela Rita is considered a person of interest in the investigation into the ambush incident last month that resulted in the deaths of six policemen and a civilian, police said.

Senior Supt. Henry Biñas, director of Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, said investigators are still awaiting the results of forensic examination on the cellular phone voluntarily turned in by dela Rita earlier.

In media interviews earlier, dela Rita said he was able to contact Guihulngan City Administrator Gino Mijares morning of July 21, when they were ambushed by suspected communist rebels at Sitio Mandi-e in Barangay Magsaysay, Guihulngan City.

He strongly debunked insinuations that he framed up the ambush that left Supt. Arnel Arpon and five other Guihulngan City policemen dead and three others injured.

Biñas, who was among the awardees in Tuesday's 116th Police Service Day, said they are validating reports that dela Rita was nowhere to be found, although they also received information that he has been sighted at the Guihulngan City Hall.      

The director also disclosed that they are validating the supposed inclusion of dela Rita's name in the CPP-NPA's target list for liquidation, based on documents recovered by the Philippine Army.

Dela Rita told reporters that he could – not in conscience – "feed" the police to the rebels, stressing that he has devoted his time working with government as a barangay kagawad, punong barangay, and presently as a councilor of Guihulngan City.

Dela Rita's companion, Michael Jambalos, also died after they were waylaid by the rebels that day, hours before responding Guihulngan policemen were ambushed.

Dela Rita suffered bruises, contusions and head injuries but managed to survive after fleeing from the armed suspects.

The NPA claimed responsibility for the ambush of Guihulngan policemen and the death of Jambalos. At the same time, the rebels reported to have confiscated 17 firearms and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

Biñas said the Negros Oriental police have not lower their guards against possible atrocities to be staged by the NPA.

He also said they are still gathering opinions and ideas of other members of the Special Investigation Task Group, prior to the filing of charges against suspects behind the ambush of Guihulngan policemen.

While they have already established the identities of some of the suspects, it is still premature to name them, Biñas added.

He also said police will consider NPA's adminission in the filing of charges against the attackers. (FREEMAN)