PHVOTE 2013

MANILA, Philippines (3nd UPDATE) -- The New People's Army (NPA) claims responsibility over the May 10 ambush on the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team patrolling for the elections in Sorsogon City. At least 3 SWAT men were injured in the incident.

“The ambush was NPA’s way of retaliating the intensified counter-insurgency operations of the military during the election period. The NPA vows more offensives,” said the rebel group in a statement.

The policemen had just finished patrolling Sitio Bato, Bacon District when they were ambushed at 4:45 pm, Friday.

The SWAT men wounded were Chief Inspector Juancho Ibis, PO2 Nelson Dioquino, PO1 Eric Elquiro, and a still unidentified officer, said police regional spokesperson Renato Bataller. Reinforcement troops were sent to the area.

Sorsogon province was identified as an election hot spot in the 2004 and 2007 elections. -- Rappler.com

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