Fresh clashes between troops, rebels in Ifugao

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Communist guerrillas reportedly killed two government security forces in fresh clashes in remote Pinukpuk town in Kalinga Sunday, a day after rebels slew three policemen and hurt three more in an ambuscade Friday morning in Asipulo, Ifugao.

Tipon Gil-ayab, spokesman of the Kalinga based-Lejo Cawilan Command of the CPP-NPA said rebels from the Marcial Daggay Front outmaneuvered one platoon of government troopers in an encounter Sunday 9 A.M. in Mount Koldingon in sitio Tamiing, Barangay Apatan, Pinukpuk.

The firefight resulted in the death of two government troopers though the Philippine Army’s 5th Division based in Gamu, Isabela through its spokesman Col. Loreto Magundayao said only a soldier-- Corporal Gerry Malana – was wounded on his right hand.

The rebel spokesman said no one from the NPA were either killed or hurt while Magundayao said they believe there were  rebel casualties who were dragged by their comrades while retreating.

On Friday morning,  policemen from the   Regional Public Safety Batallion, Ifugao and Benguet fought  NPA guerrillas in sitio Nangkatinge, barangay Namal, Asipulo resulting in the death of --  Police Inspector George Lauro, the leader of the team; Police Officer 2 Jody Lino Mamgue; and Police Officer 2 John Codod; and wounding of --  Police Officers 2 Marcial Angaga; Solomon Pao-iton and Police Officer 1 Abdon Angayon.

According to Gil-ayab,  NPA units in Kalinga are on their toes to  “seize the initiative (in) launching tactical offensives in order to contribute to the winning of ever greater victories in our people’s war nation-wide.”

Police and the Philippine Army said security operations are still continuing in both Kalinga and Ifugao provinces.

In the late 80s till the 90s,  the insurgency in Asipulo was on its peak, said Magundayao, but was “decimated” after government counter-insurgency efforts.