Ilocos councilor hurt, cop slain in ambush

Politics eyed, Gov. Marcos orders full probe 

SOLSONA, Ilocos Norte – Police are eyeing politics as strong motive in the ambush of a village chief and member of the municipal council who was seriously wounded while his police escort was killed here Monday afternoon even as Gov. Imee Marcos condemned the attack and called for immediate and thorough investigation. 

Alex Calucag, president of Association of Barangay Captains of this town, was driving his sport utility vehicle with Police Officer 3 Rodante Julian on board when they were shot in Barangay Nalasin at past 5 p.m., according to town police chief Senior Insp. Leonardo Tolentino.

Although he was hit, Calucag managed to drive the vehicle a few meters away from the site.

He was able to call radio reporter Bernard Ver of Bombo Radyo Laoag for help.

Calucag was taken to the Gov. Roque Ablan Memorial Hospital for treatment while Julian died at the scene.

Calucag’s friends in the council said he had been receiving death threats.

Calucag, being the ABC president, is a member of the municipal council.

He is a staunch critic of Mayor Jonathan de Lara.

Reports said Calucag was on his way home from a regular council session at their town hall when armed men fired at them around 5 p.m.

The ABC president was shot several times on his upper body while PO3 Julian died on the spot.

Calucag is now on stable condition at the Governor Roque B. Ablan Senior Memorial Hospital.

The identities of the suspects remain unidentified but Marcos said the incident could be connected to previous exposés made by Calucag several months ago.

She said Calucag was a good leader and unlikely to do any unlawful behavior. “As we all know, he is a nationally awarded outstanding young farmer, he’s a community leader, he’s a fearless barangay official.”

Alarmed about the growing crime rate in Solsona, the governor told police to be on alert, secure the town and investigate increasing proliferation of high powered illegal firearms.

“We have a very low crime incidence in Ilocos Norte but with Solsona’s growing violence these past few months, we are very distraught about this, Marcos said. “It appears there are many high powered illegal firearms in Solsona. It’s important that the police and even the army are on alert.”

The governor said “Solsona is still a peaceful place but residents have to be very careful and not be terrified with the incident. “We hope that (Solsona ABC president) Alex Calucag will make it despite all the shots and despite severe damage to his body. We also pray for PO3 Julian who unfortunately died in line of duty.”