MALACAÑANG on Sunday condemned the recent ambush of the convoy of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director-General Nela Charade Puno last Thursday.

The two-vehicle convoy of Puno was attacked in Lupi, Camarines Sur, by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Three police security escorts of the FDA chief were killed, while Puno herself and her team were “unharmed,” according to the Department of Health.





“We strongly denounce the ambush of Food and Drug Administration [FDA] Director-General Nela Charade Puno and her convoy in Camarines Sur which left at least three policemen dead and three others wounded,” Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo lauded the policemen who were killed in the line of duty and sent the government’s condolences to their families.

He confirmed that Puno would not be attending the wake of the policemen, based on advice from authorities.

“We likewise send our prayers and thoughts for the speedy recovery of the policemen who were wounded during this brazen assault,” Panelo said.

He added that the government would do any means necessary to put those responsible for the crime behind bars.

“Investigation is now underway and we will ensure that the perpetrators of this unjustifiable act are brought to justice,” Panelo said.

On Friday, President Rodrigo Duterte again asked the members of the NPA to surrender to the government as he offered them jobs and houses.

“Listen, NPAs. I’m not fighting with you and I don’t want to kill you, but I don’t know about you. But we are really friends,” Duterte said in a speech in Davao City.

“Your underground movement will not amount to anything. But I am ready to accept you if you surrender. Bring your firearms, give [them] to me, and I will give you a house and a job,” he added.

Duterte had made conflicting statements on resolving the communist insurgency in the country.

For one, he said there will be no longer peace talks with the rebels, but, for another, he said “localized” peace talks would still be a possibility.