Swedish tourists and driver shot in suspected communist ambush

Swedes shot Philippines
Soliders inspect the scene of the ambush. Picture by DYHB Tatak RMN

A Swedish couple and their Filipino driver were shot and injured in an ambush by suspected communist rebels today (Tuesday, October 3).

Karl Christer Arvidson, aged 48, Juliana Eeiko Palmero, 42, and their driver Jason Tumayao came under fire on the national highway near Cauayan town in Negros Occidental shortly after 1pm.

ADVERTISEMENT

It is believed the attack was mounted by members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Tumnog, commanding officer of the 1st Negros Island Geographical Battalion, said he believed that the intended targets of the ambush were local police officers who were responding to a reported robbery in the area.

Swedes shot Philippines
The two Swedes were rear-seat passengers of the vehicle. Picture by DYHB Tatak RMN

He said five officers were on the way to the scene of the alleged robbery in a police vehicle. However, following behind was the Isuzu Crosswind driven by Mr Tumayao with the two Swedish passengers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Initial investigations suggest the suspected NPA rebels attacked the wrong vehicle, injuring all three aboard.

After the initial shooting, the five police officers engaged the suspected rebels in a firefight that lasted about 30 minutes.

Hunt for gunmen continues

By this stage soldiers under Lt. Col. Tumnog’s command arrived on the scene and the gunmen fled.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ms Palmero was hit in the left shoulder, while Mr Arvidson sustained a gunshot wound in his left wrist.

Mr Tumayao suffered wounds to the left side of his face, stomach and left thigh.

The victims were immediately taken to the Zayco District Hospital in Kabankalan City and eventually to VAMC Sanitarium in Bacolod City.

Pursuit operations against the gunmen are ongoing.

Police spokesman Superintendent Gilbert Gorero said there were no casualties among the police.

Eyewitnesses who observed the withdrawal of the armed group said that at least one of them appeared to be wounded.

https://www.facebook.com/rmnbacolod/videos/1529427673809404/

Comments are closed.