by: Charles Nikko Limon
A soldier was injured in a new armed encounter between government troops and communist rebels in Pinukpuk, Kalinga, as the military continued its intensified operations against remaining members of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee.
Since Friday, November 21, soldiers from the 503rd Infantry Brigade have not stopped pursuing the armed group in Barangay Allaguia.
The unit said it is determined to dismantle the remnants of the rebel committee believed to be operating in the area.
On Sunday, November 23, one rebel identified as “Ka Reyam” was killed.
His remains were turned over to his relatives.
His relative Anselmo Bador said they had long hoped he would return home, but his deep involvement in the movement kept him away for years, adding that the family only saw him again now that he was gone.
Following Sunday’s clash, the military said gunfire erupted again three times with around 10 rebels on Monday, November 24.
Lt. Col. Melvin Asuncion, OIC of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 5th Infantry Division, said in a phone interview that the fifth encounter occurred around 7:50 p.m. in the same barangay, followed shortly by another exchange at around 8 p.m.
Because of the series of clashes, one soldier, PFC Mark Sameer Lugayan, was confirmed wounded.
Asuncion said “Lugayan sustained an injury to his upper left arm but was successfully extracted from the encounter site and brought to a hospital.”
He added that continuous rains brought by the shear line have made the pursuit operations more difficult.
Despite the weather, the military said it remains determined to track down the fleeing rebels.
Asuncion said they are giving the armed group until December to surrender, explaining that this is part of the military’s response to reports provided by civilians.
From the encounter site on Sunday, troops recovered several firearms and equipment left behind by rebels.
These included four high-powered firearms, a grenade launcher, grenades, medical supplies, magazines, food items, and other belongings.
Barangay Allaguia officials said no residents were forced to evacuate.
Barangay Captain Neil Jun Hortelano said, “the community remains safe and they have not received any threats from the clashes.”
Local police have also tightened security in the municipality with the Pinukpuk PNP assisting in the operations.
