'Pirates' attack Guimaras cops

Police and the Philippine Coast Guard here have now been alerted of unidentified 'pirates' who engaged Guimaras police in a chase and shoot-out last week.  With the coordinated effort of government agents now launched, Chief Inspector Ferdinand Pareñas of the Nueva Valencia Police Office confirmed the report in an interview over Bombo Radyo.

The incident happened off the municipal waters of said town along Unisan Island when authorities were told of the presence of suspected illegal fishers.  When responding team of the Nueva Valencia PNP approached, two steel boats were seen in the area as an as it tried to flee from the scene. 

It was learned further that a warning shot was made but was unheeded with the crew on board said steel boats returning fire.  Chief Inspector Pareñas also said an attempt was even made to crash their pumpboat that had them withdraw from the chase.

Investigation continues to ascertain the identity of the steel boat owners and the crew.  No one was hurt in said incident.

To note, a similar sighting of 'pirates' months back were also reported off the waters of Northern Iloilo.  No arrests were made thus far with government sea agents unable to match the sophistication of the illegal fishers' boats. (Florence F. Hibionada)