A Cordillera farmers’ group demanded a stop to the 103rd IB’s militarization in the villages of Pinukpuk, Kalinga that is subjecting civilians to terror and anxiety. Communities surrounding Barangay Allaguia are militarized following reported clashes between the 103rd IB and the New People’s Army (NPA).

According to the Aliansa Dagiti Pesante iti Kordiliera (Apit Tako, or Alliance of Farmers in the Cordillera), a 103rd IB unit is currently encamped in Sitio Pusol in Barangay Limos, next to Allaguia. The group said the encampment endangers and adversely affects the residents,’ especialy the farmers,’ day-to-day livelihood and security.

Aside from the encampment, the 103rd IB itself announced that it conducted an “information campaign, loudspeaker operations, and distribution of Psychological Operations (PsyOps) materials” in Barangay Allaguia on November 24. This also took place in Barangay Limos on the night of November 23 and disturbed the residents, Apit Tako said.

“Since the military already has cases of terrorizing the people, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the National Task Force-Elcac can use this militarization to suppress their ongoing struggles,” Apit Tako stated.

The group said Pinukpuk residents are currently waging a struggle against the destructive Saltan Dams. Kalinga farmers are also campaigning against the low farmgate prices of rice and corn.

Apit Tako also expressed concern because of the AFP’s record of aerial bombings in Abra and Ilocos Sur in 2024. The group said the AFP’s use of excessive violence and its violations of international humanitarian law were heinous. “The AFP must ensure that nothing like this happens in Pinukpuk and in the coming times,” the group said.

Apit Tako demanded a stop to the 103rd IB’s combat operations in Pinukpuk and the expulsion of the encamped soldiers. The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) also issued a similar call to the Marcos regime soldiers.

The CHRA also urged the AFP to respect the rights and remains of a reported slain NPA Red fighter in successive clashes. “Firmly uphold international humanitarian law,” the group appealed.

The 103rd IB reported that six clashes have occurred in Pinukpuk since November 21. Ang Bayan is still waiting for an NPA-Ilocos-Cordillera (Chadli Molintas Command) report regarding the said encounters.