Two Special Action Force (SAF) trainees were killed in an encounter against alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Gamay, Northern Samar, according to authorities, Saturday morning.
According to the Police Regional Office 8, four people were also injured after the clash that took place in Barangay Lunoy.
It was learned that the victims were undergoing the Special Action Force Commando Course (SAFCC) to become members of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-SAF.
Authorities have not yet named the victims.
Those killed were Patrolmen, while the wounded were Police Lieutenants and taken to hospital for treatment.
Authorities continue to pursue the rebels they encounter.
Police have also used air assets to pursue the rebels.
The Special Action Force (SAF) is the elite unit of the Philippine National Police founded by Fidel V. Ramos, later the twelfth President of the Philippines.
SAF Commandos have received training from the Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG), RAID, and Yamam. The Anti-Terrorist Unit (ATU) of the SAF is responsible for police counter-terrorism (CT) operations nationwide.
On January 25, the so-called SAF44 died in an encounter in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao. The operation, codenamed Oplan Exodus, was intended to capture or kill wanted Malaysian terrorists and bomb-maker Zulkifli Abdhir and other Malaysian terrorists or high-ranking members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
P66-million worth of smuggled agricultural products seized in Subic
Authorities at the Port of Subic intercepted two container shipments with only smuggled vegetables.
The value of the smuggled agricultural products is about P66 million.
The Bureau of Customs received information regarding the said shipments consigned to JKJ International Co. and EMV Consumer Goods Trading.
After being examined on Thursday, it was found that the shipment contents were carrots, sweet oats, broccoli, mushrooms, and red onions.
According to the BOC’s intelligence group, EMV Consumer Goods has changed its name several times, but it has not been able to get through.
The BOC has already issued warrants of seizure and detention against the said shipments for violating Department of Agriculture Circular No. 04 Series of 2016 regarding the importation of plant products for commercial use and Section 1113 of Republic Act 10863 or Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The BOC has ensured intensified monitoring against smuggled products, especially as the holiday season approaches.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.