Secretary Francisco T. Duque III has condemned the attack on a contingent led by Food and Drug Administration Director General Nela Charade Puno which resulted to the death of their three policemen-escorts after being waylaid by suspected communist rebels in Camarines Norte last Thursday morning.
Puno and her team were on their way to Daet after the provincial capital passed an ordinance requiring establishments to secure FDA clearance prior to acquiring a business license.
“I condemn in no uncertain terms the attack on FDA Director General Nela Charade Puno and her team in Camarines Sur today,” Duque said.
Duque said the DOH leadership is currently coordinating with the authorities for a full investigation.
According to police reports, the team led by Puno were fired at by unidentified armed men in Lupi, Camarines Sur. Three police escorts were reportedly killed while three others were wounded.
Puno and her team were unharmed and were later brought to a secure location. Investigations are currently under way.
“The safety of DG Puno and FDA employees is our top priority at the moment. They have the full backing of the department,” Duque said.
Police identified the slain policemen as SPO1 Percival Rafael, PO3 Carlito Navarroza and PO1 Ralph Jason Vida. The wounded were PO1 Jonathan Perillo, PO1 Ruby Buena and PO1 Rodolfo Gonzaga.
Chief Supt. Arnel Escobal, Bicol police director, said it was possible that the gunmen were targeting the policemen and not Puno.
From the airport in Pili town, Camarines Sur, the group was heading to Daet town in nearby Camarines Norte province, when about 20 armed men fired at them at Barangay Napolidan in Lupi at past 9 am.