Former Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr. was hurt in an ambush on Wednesday (September 11) afternoon, according to an initial report released by the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Details from the Police Regional Office 1 showed that Espino was onboard his vehicle when he was shot by a still unidentified suspect.
The shooting incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. in Barangay Magtaking, San Carlos City in Pangasinan.
Espino, who was also a former congressman, sustained injuries and was rushed to Holy Blessed Hospital in the said city, the police said.
“Personnel of San Carlos CPS are now conducting dragnet operation for the possible identification and arrest of the suspect/s. Invest still ongoing,” the initial report said.
In a series of tweets posted by Senator Richard Gordon, he said Espino is in critical condition.
All five of his bodyguards were killed in the incident.
“We just learned that former governor and Cong. of Pangasinan Amado Espino, Jr. has just been ambushed and is now fighting for his life in a hospital in Pangasinan. All 5 of his bodyguards heroically shielded Espino with their bodies and they all perished,” Gordon said.
He also called on the PNP to mobilize its forces and immediately track the perpetrators.
“The victims were all riding a Toyota Inova van with no back-up. This is completely unacceptable in this day and age, yet it happens with impunity. The police should be able to track down the perpetrators if they act fast,” he said.
“I call on PNP Chief Albayalde to mobilize all police forces to track down the killers and bring them to justice,” he added.
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