Banana plantation owner survives Antipas ambus

KIDAPAWAN CITY - Police arrested over the weekendone of the two gunmenwho tried to kill a banana plantation owner in Antipas, North Cotabato, authorities said.Elizar Omega of Barangay Canaan Antipas, North Cotabato was driving his Toyota Hi-Lux pick up vehicle (AFA-5693) when waylaid by gunmen in Purok 7, Barangay New Pontevedra, Antipas Friday. Despite numerous gunshot wounds, Omega managed to drive his vehicle to Barangay New Ponteveda center where he sought for help. He was rushed by villagers to a hospital in Kidapawan City. Responding policemen conducted pursuit operation which led to the arrest of Ephraem Penoy, 40, of Barangay Poblacion Antipas. He was captured while hiding in a corn plantation, about two kilometers from ambush site.Police also recovered a hand gun from Penoy, several ammunition for various caliber and to mobile phones. Omega owned the banana plantation in Barangay Kalasuyan, Kidapawan City which was attacked by gunmen last week. In that attack, two of Omega's workers were wounded. Police believed the two incidents were related.