MANILA- Malacañang condemned Thursday the ambush on former Pangasinan governor and representative Amado Espino Jr. as a “felonious” act.

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo assured the public that police are on top of the situation to catch those responsible for the attack that left Espino Jr’s police escort dead and 5 others wounded, including the former official.

“We condemn this felonious act as we believe that any unjustified killing has no place in a civilized society like ours,” Panelo said in a statement.

“We guarantee that police authorities are already on top of the situation and will spare no effort in finding the perpetrators of this crime and ascertaining their motive for consummating the same,” he said.

• Former Pangasinan solon hurt in ambush

Unidentified gunmen attacked the 2 vehicles carrying Espino Jr. and his companions in San Carlos City, Pangasinan Wednesday afternoon.

Police identified 2 getaway vehicles used by the gunmen, recovered high-powered firearms at the crime scene and were following several leads, Ilocos region police spokesperson Lt. Col. Mary Crystal Peralta said.

As of early Thursday morning, Espino Jr. was already in “stable condition” according to Peralta.

• Ex-Pangasinan governor 'stable' after ambush

Espino was on President Rodrigo Duterte's list of politicians allegedly involved in the drug trade. Duterte later cleared him of drug links, saying his inclusion was a mistake.