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Militarization heightens in Abra

BANGUED, Abra (Apr. 1) — Tingguians and residents of Tineg, Malibcong, and Lacub towns here now experience harassment and violence as the 503rd Brigade of the Philippine Army waged military operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) in the said areas.

Peasants, especially hunters, have been subjected to unnecessary risks to their lives in many Cordillera provinces in several military operations in the past few months.

According to the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA), five hunters were apprehended when soldiers belonging to the 41st IBPA chanced upon them in Lablabinag, Brgy. Lan-ag in Lacub on March 26. They were airlifted to the Lagangilang headquarters for routine interrogation and later turned over to Camp Villamor in Bangued.

Of the five, only a certain “Mao Tse Tung” Baggay remained in detention after his companions were released by the authorities.

Earlier on March 23 three residents were fired at by soldiers in Brgy. Lantoc, Lacub, Abra. William Basingan, Sr. and his sons William, Jr. and Carlos were walking on their way to Bangued when soldiers apparently mistook them for rebels. The pursuing soldiers stopped firing when the Basingans shouted that they were civilians. They were later asked to sign a document that they were not wounded nor harmed during the incident.

“Bagama’t walang tinamaan sa kanila, hudyat ito ng pasistang karahasan,” (Although no one was hit, this is a signal of a fascist terror) a local source said.

Civilians were reportedly used as guides and human shields against possible NPA attack. Military offensives were pursued even during the Holy Week when soldiers occupied Lacub barangays Poblacion, Buneg, Pacoc-Talampac, Sap-al, Bacag and Lan-ag. These were also in barangays Lapat-Balantay, Agsimao, Cogon and Lanec in Tineg town; and in Brgy. Bayabas in Malibcong town.

Armed personnel are also present in Bangilo barangays Dulao, Mataragan, Adegao and Legsad. # Lyn V. Ramo for NORDIS

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