MANILA, Philippines – Seven policemen were hurt in an ambush by suspected members of the New People’s Army in Masbate province early Friday morning, the provincial police chief said.

Senior Superintendent Eddie Benigay said members of Masbate police were on their way to augment police personnel at Sto. Nino, Cataingan town when a landmine exploded along their path at Sitio (sub-village) Umoroy, Barangay (village) Marintoc, Mobo town.

The incident occurred at 10:20 a.m. After the explosion, Benigay said the police personnel were shot at by unidentified suspects.

The wounded were identified as team leader Senior Police Officer 1 Angel Palmones, PO1 Jose Carmone, PO1 Leon Tumbaga III, PO1 Edwin Enciso, PO1 Karlo Orlain, PO1 Ronald Imperial and PO1 Arvin Valencia Gutierrez.