Clashes in Abra-Ilocos Sur border displace residents, disrupt classes

BAGUIO CITY—A series of armed encounters between Philippine Army soldiers and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last week in neighboring towns at the borders of Abra and Ilocos Sur provinces displaced residents and caused the suspension of classes.

Col. Louie Dema-ala, spokesperson of the Philippine Army, said in a statement on Sunday that the series of gun battles erupted between government soldiers and NPA rebels in the boundary of Barangay Nagcanasan in Pilar town in Abra and Barangay Babalasioan, Santa Maria town in Ilocos Sur on April 2 and 3.

The Office of Civil Defense and the local government of Santa Maria recorded 140 families, composed of 493 individuals, that were evacuated for their safety.

Some 58 families (201 individuals) in Nagcanasan and 34 families (118 individuals) in Barangay Gapang, also in Pilar, were also evacuated.

READ: PH Army used airstrikes vs NPA in Abra, spox confirms

Around 21 families (83 individuals) from Sitio Paring in Barangay Babalasioan and 27 families (91 individuals) in Barangay Gusing, also in Santa Maria, also had to flee their homes.

Local authorities said the evacuees had returned to their homes by the afternoon of April 4.

Abra Mayor Tyron Berona, on April 3, suspended classes in the primary and secondary levels due to the military operations.

“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 in his order.

The Army also confirmed that the aerial bombing was part of their military operations.

“The Philippine Air Force provided close air support to assist ground troops by providing precise targeting of enemy position,” the Army said.

Several videos of the bombings circulated on social media since last week. —KIMBERLY QUITASOL INQ