LEGAZPI CITY - The Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) has condemned the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) for attacking a police officer while riding on his motorcycle in Pilar town, Sorsogon province on Monday.

In a statement on Tuesday, Maj. Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said the cowardly and treacherous attack staged by the members of the NPA killed Police Executive Master Sergeant Israel Rebosura, who was assigned at the Pilar Municipal Police Station.

"Following the report of Sorsogon Police Provincial Office, the incident happened on Monday evening while the victim was on his way back to Pilar Police Station after visiting his house being constructed in the area when several heavily armed men appeared suddenly drew shots against him," Calubaquib said.

She also said Rebosura was able to retaliate using his issued firearm but was outnumbered. He sustained gunshot wounds on the different parts of his body which resulted in his instantaneous death.

"This inhumane and unacceptable act is vivid proof of the true color of the rebel group which endangers and deprives lives of innocent individuals who selflessly offer themselves in the name of public service and also clearly manifests the disdain and negligence of the NPA on the true value of peace and order," she said.

Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, PRO5 director, also in a statement, said consistent with the peace and security framework of the Chief Philippine National Police, PRO5 shall launch an operation to thwart and preclude the NPA from further performing its offensive act which disrupts the security in Bicol.

He said they have intensified the security measures and efforts against various forms of criminality in the region.

Dimas also extended his condolences to the bereaved family of the victim and vowed to utilize their capabilities to bring justice and address the insurgency problem.

"We are saddened and lament the demise of our brother in service. We cannot tolerate this kind of act. Your Kasurog cops with our Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) counterparts assure the public that we will committedly do our fair share to go after these lawless elements and serve justice to the victim," Dimas said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as "an integral and inseparable part" of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973. (PNA)