Apayao Governor Elias Bulut Jr. commended the vigilance and
hatred to violence of the Iapayaos that led to the death of alleged
New People’s Army leader and three of his members in a
firefight against government troops in Luna, Apayao last week.
According to reports, barangay folks tipped off police officers of the presence of at least 10 heavily armed men conducting extortion activities at barangay Calayucay in Luna morning of October 3.
Joint elements of the Apayao Provincial Public Safety Company and Provincial Infantry Battalion then conducted an operation and firefight ensued between the rebels and the law enforcers resulting to the death of the four rebels.
Police Regional Office – Cordillera Public Information Officer PSSupt. Davey Limmong identified the casualties as Efren Arquillo alias Mario Domogan of Allacapan, Cagayan, Vinia Alejandro alias Ka Dina/Rani, and Rhoby Edillo. The other casualty remains unidentified. They reportedly were NPA remnants who call themselves Armadong Makikibakang Masa led by Arquillo.
Limmong said that no casualty was recorded from the police force. Authorities recovered from the fight scene an M-16 rifle, an Uzi sub-machine pistol, a caliber .38 revolver, two shotguns, two hand grenades, assorted ammunition and documents.
Bulut commended the residents of Calayucay for reporting the activities of the armed lawless elements in their community and risking their lives.
“The actions of the citizens who are mostly simple farmers standing up against the rebels show that the NPA, violence and their activities are not welcome in the province of Apayao,” said Bulut. It showed that the people have had enough of violence and would like to live in a peaceful manner, he added.
Marag Valley in Luna used to be an NPA stronghold.
He called on other residents to be always vigilant and not to be afraid of reporting illegal activities of lawless elements to the authorities to show that these NPAs and their activities are not welcomed in their communities and in the province.
Meanwhile, Police Cordillera Regional Director Chief Superintendent Isagani Nerez said the incident shows that police officers are prepared to go after groups out to disrupt peace in the region.
Nerez also ordered follow up operation to be conducted in the area and directed police to maintain the peace and order situation of Apayao.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=41412881126
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