Abra on red alert as NPA steps up attacks

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 14): Abra on red alert as NPA steps up attacks

La Trinidad, Benguet — New People’s Army (NPA) attacks have stepped up in some parts of Luzon since last weekend when government and communist party leaders announced a resumption of the peace talks in April, forcing the police in Abra to raise the red alert.

The Abra Police Provincial Office (PPO) was put on red alert a day after five police officers were wounded in an ambush by NPA rebels in Poblacion, Malibcong town. The Agustin Begnalen Command of the NPA has admitted to the attack.

Last Sunday, 30 guerrillas stormed the Malibcong Municipal Police Station (MPS) and ransacked its armory just hours after Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and National Democratic Front (NDF) peace negotiators meeting in Utrech, The Netherlands, announced that talks were back on track.

Tension in the province has been high with Abra Governor Joy Bernos condemning the NPA attacks in Malibcong. “I do not see valid reasons for our brothers in the left to act like this. I support a peaceful negotiation for the safety and welfare of the people of Abra,” Bernos said.

Down south of Luzon, the military’s Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) said a gunbattle between elements of the army’s 31st Infantry Battalion (31st IB) and NPA rebels raged for 15 minutes before dawn Monday in Sitio Anahawan, Barangay Togawe, Gubat, Sorsogon.

The rebels withdrew, leaving behind baby armalite.

A few hours later, 30 NPA rebels engaged soldiers from the army’s 83rd Infantry Battalion (83rd IB) in Barangay Pinamihagan, Lagonoy, Camarines Sur. One rebel was killed in the gunbattle.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/03/14/abra-on-red-alert-as-npa-steps-up-attacks/