|
|
| AFP suffers losses in its intensifying operations in Abra mining areasDiego Wadagan
Spokesperson
Agustin Begnalen Command
NPA-Abra
Units of the Agustin Begnalen Command, NPA-Abra killed at least seven AFP troopers and
wounded two more in a series of tactical offensives from 14-17 February 2009 in the smallscale
mining areas of Lacub, Abra. The AFP escalated its operations in the gold-rich areas of
the province after DND Sec. Gilbert Teodoro announced the Arroyo government’s intent to
secure these for big mining interests. The ongoing military operation in Lacub involves more
than a battalion of troops from the 41 IB and the 5 ID Division Recon Company, and the st th
Philippine National Police Regional Mobile Group (RMG) and Special Action Force (SAF).
Starting 08 February, AFP units stealthily moved into positions on the ridges overlooking the
small-scale mining communities of Lacub. At 5:00 AM of February 14, an AFP platoon
under a Lt. Alvarado stormed into barangay Talampac and ordered the residents to turn off
all cellphones. A separate AFP platoon descended from a nearby ridge to secure other parts
of the community. This platoon was ambushed by a small unit of NPA guerillas at about 5:45
AM. Five troopers were killed in the four-hour gunbattle that ensued. There were no NPA
casualties.
At about 11:45 AM of 16 February, an AFP platoon was ambushed on the slopes of Mt.
Bumurayok in adjacent Barangay Pacoc. Two AFP troopers were killed and one was
wounded in the brief firefight. The NPA unit safely withdrew without any casualties.
At about 10:30 AM of 17 February, a four-man NPA patrol encountered an AFP platoon on
the peak of Mt. Bumurayok. A trooper was killed while an NPA guerilla was wounded in the
brief exchange of fire.
Meanwhile, troops of the RMG and SAF conducted their own operations in surrounding
areas. They staged combat patrols and provided security for several warlord politicians who
were in the area for civic action programs that are apparently part of the ongoing military
offensive.
The current AFP operation uses the ReEngineered Special Operations Team (RSOT) method
that has wrecked havoc on civilians and communities in many parts of the country. AFP units
are now setting up in various small-scale mining communities and intend to stay for six
months or more. They are conducting intensive psywar and combat operations designed to
terrorize the people and quell protests against the entry of big mining companies into the
area.
The Arroyo regime, and its local allies among the warlord politicians of Abra, is sinking its
avaricious claws deeper into the backs of the Tingguians and other national minorities of the
Cordillera. Gloria Arroyo and these local warlords are bent on using increasingly violent and
deceptive means to repress the people’s resistance and hasten the entry of big mining
interests.
The ABC will do its utmost to protect the people and their resources. The flames of
broadening resistance are being fanned by the rapacity and viciousness of Gloria Arroyo and
her cohorts. The Tingguians and other national minorities of the Cordillera have a valiant
tradition of resistance. They endured much hardship and overcame great odds and stopped
the Cellophil logging and Chico Dam projects of the Marcos dictatorship. They will
inevitably triumph over the much-despised Arroyo regime.
Back to top
|
|
|
|
