Ambush Of Policeman In Sagada Delays The Journey Home Of Slain SAF PO3 Noel Golocan

The remains of Police Officer 3 Noel Golocan who was one of the casualties of the recent encounter in Mamasapano, Maguindanao was supposed to be brought home to Sagada in February 2. However, due to an ambush incident in the tourist town involving a police officer and suspected members of the New Peoples Army (NPA), the schedule of bringing home Golocan's remains had to be delayed.

Bombo Radyo Baguio reported that Senior Police Officer 3 Wilfredo Degay of the Regional Intelligence Unit of the Police Regional Office was instructed by the Mt. Province Provincial Police Office to oversee and provide intelligence reports for the security of the convoy that will be bringing home Golocan's body to Sagada.

According to the report, SPO3 Degay and his niece were driving to Sagada and they were within the vicinity of Dugo in barangay Bangaan when they were attacked by two armed men. The police officer suffered at least four gunshot wounds on his chest. Miraculously, he survived the attack and was promptly rushed to the St. Theodore's Hospital in Sagada. He was later transferred for further medical treatment to the Bontoc General Hospital (BGH).

The remains of PO3 Golocan arriving in Bontoc, Mt. Province. Photo by B. Macliing via Facebook.

Because of the incident which happened between 10 and 11 in the morning, bringing home the remains of Golocan had to be delayed. The slain SAF cop's remains had to stay put in Bontoc, Mt. Province where it was brought. Security in Sagada had to be tightened to make sure there will be no further attacks when the convoy finally make its way into the town.

It can be recalled that thirteen Cordillerans were among those who perished in the tragic Mamasapano encounter in Maguindanao which transpired last January 25. All in all, 44 elite policemen perished in said encounter.

Update: PO3 Golocan has been brought to Sagada and buried in a cemetery there without further untoward incident.