By SHERWIN DE VERA
Northern Dispatch

VIGAN CITY — Intense fighting between communist guerillas and government troops forced villagers to evacuate and the suspension of classes in Pilar, Abra on April 2.

Mayor Tyron Christopher Beroña ordered the suspension of primary and secondary level classes starting April 3.

“As a precautionary and proactive measure in anticipation of any untoward incidents in relation to the foregoing and to safeguard the learners and school personnel from physical danger, classes in primary and secondary levels both in public and private schools shall be suspended,” the mayor said.

The firefight erupted between government forces and suspected unit of the New People’s Army North Abra Guerrilla Front under the Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee in Barangay Nagcanasan at about 11:50 AM.

This marked the fifth recorded encounter between the rebels and military in Abra this year.

Army Major Bryan Albano, civil-military operations officer of the 501st Infantry Brigade, told local broadcaster DWRS that the soldiers were on security patrol when they encountered the rebel group. 

Albano stated that sporadic fighting lasted until around 7:00 PM, but clearing operations continued. According to him, one government soldier suffered a minor injury. They have yet to determine whether the rebels sustained any casualties.

Several videos uploaded on Facebook also showed military airstrikes that lasted until sundown.

Pilar residents near the clash site have temporarily taken shelter at the gymnasium in Barangay Población. Local officials also accommodated 21 families from Sitio Paring, Brgy. Bababalasioan in Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur, which borders Nagcanasan.

The Philippine Red Cross Abra Chapter immediately provided the evacuees with basic hygiene kits, food, and water. They also received welfare assistance, including phone calls and psychosocial support. Volunteers set up child-friendly spaces and a first aid station to address medical needs.

The Ilocos Human Rights Alliance has called on both sides to ensure the safety of civilians and uphold International Humanitarian Law, which ensures that human rights are protected even in times of war.

“Nananawagan rin kami sa AFP na itigil ang mga aerial bombing dahil sa malaking posibilidad na madamay ang mga sibilyan, alagang-hayop, at masira ang mga taniman at production area ng mga residente sa lugar,” the group said.

(We also call on the AFP to cease aerial bombings due to the high possibility of civilians, domestic animals, and residents’ crops and production areas being affected.) # nordis.net