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The 41st IB used civilians as shields

By Diego Wadagan
Spokesperson,
Agustin Begnalen Command-New People’s Army

August 16, 2005

At 2:15 PM, August 14, 2005, unarmed NPA guerillas went to a hut, belonging to Barangay Kagawad Junie Brillantes, in Sitio Kileng, Barangay Lenneng, Baay-Licuan. When the NPA guerillas saw a group of troopers belonging to the 41st IB coming, the Red Fighters immediately left the hut towards an area where they left their firearms.

Unknown to the NPA unit, the 41st IB troopers forced the civilians outside of the hut and forcibly took them, and positioned themselves about 200 meters from the said hut. Maneuvering NPA guerillas and 41st IB troopers clashed an hour or so later. In the ensuing firefight, Francisco “Ama Luyong” Tangbawan was killed, while Kagawad Junie Brillantes and Tanod

Jonathan Lacanilao was injured. Two (2) 41st IB troopers were likewise wounded, while no casulaties were reported on the NPA side.

Clearly, the 41st IB troopers violated the rules of engagement, and used the civilians as shields. The firefight occured at a rather safe distance from the hut. But because of the 41st IB’s indifference to civilian security, by forcing the hapless civilians into the field of fire, Francisco “Ama Luyong” Tangbawan died and the two other civilians were injured.

The 41st IB, particularly Lt. Victor Leopoldo who led the 41st IB unit, should be held responsible for this incident. The 41st IB troopers disregarded civilian security, endangered the lives of the hapless masses, and are directly responsible for the death of Francisco “Ama Luyong” Tangbawan and the injury of the 2 other civilians. On the other hand, giving premium to civilian security, the NPA guerillas went to the hut unarmed, and left the area as soon as 41st IB troopers were sighted.

As always, the ABC-NPA will conduct deeper investigation into the incident, as information gathered is based on an initial spot report of the NPA unit involved.

Francisco “Ama Luyong” Tambawan is the latest victim of the 41st IB’s terrorism in the countrysides of Abra. Included in the list are (1) Linda Camiling of Barangay Tiempo, who was killed by 41st IB and 77th IB troopers who did not heed the call for surrender and instead fired their guns in disregard of civilian security; (2) Taleg Bangoey of Ududiao, Sallapadan who was shot and killed by elements of the 41st IB after being mistaken for an NPA while hunting in the mountains of Sallapadan; (3) and the countless others who have been illegally detained, harassed, and intimidated, and whose properties were destroyed or robbed by rampaging soldiers of the 41st IB in the municipalities of Tineg, Danglas, Lacub, Lagayan, Malibcong, Tubo, Sallapadan, Boliney, Daguioman, Bucloc, San Juan, and Baay-Licuan.

Currently, pursuit operations by the 41st IB is being conducted against the NPA. The Agustin Begnalen Command vows to punish the 41st IB for sowing terror in Abra, and for blindly fighting for the interests of big businesses such as big mining companies, even as we call on the rank-and-file and junior officers to rise against their superiors and against the rotten Arroyo regime. #

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