Gov. Marcos condemns ambush on I. Norte town official

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Romualdez Marcos condemned the ambush that critically wounded Solsona Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President Alex Calucag and killed his police escort PO3 Rodante Julian in Brgy. Nalasin of the said town yesterday, June 1, 2015.

According to reports, Calucag was on his way home from a regular council session at their town hall when armed men fired at them around 5 o’clock in the afternoon.

The ABC President gained extensive shots on his upper body while PO3 Julian died on the spot. The former is now in a stable condition at the Governor Roque B. Ablan Senior Memorial Hospital.

The identities of the suspects remain unidentified but Gov. Marcos believes that the incident is connected to the previous exposés made by Calucag several months ago.

She further emphasized that Calucag is a good leader and is 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 stressed the need to secure the town as well as urged the armed forces to be on alert and investigate on the increasing possession of high powered illegal firearms in the town.

“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. It appears that there are many high powered illegal firearms in Solsona. It’s important that the police and even the army are on alert.”

Meanwhile, the governor assured that “Solsona is still a peaceful place” and reminded the residents to be very careful and not to be terrified with the incident.

“[We hope that Solsona ABC President] Alex Calucag will make it despite all the shot and despite the severe damage to his body. We also pray for [PO3 Julian] who unfortunately died in line of duty,” Gov. Marcos said. ###