by Vency D. Bulayungan

LAGAWE, Ifugao-The Philippine National Police (PNP) here filed a case of illegal possession of firearms, ammunitions and explosives against four members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) who were captured during an encounter at Tinoc municipality last week.

Sr.Supt. Joseph Adnol said that Criminal Case Number 1828 was filed at the Regional Trial Court Branch 14, Second Judicial Region, Branch 14 here with no bail recommended.

During the arraignment held on November 19, 2009, the four alleged NPAs namely Abigail Aman y Ladchico, 22; Jan Cruz y Trajano, 24; Alfredo Ramos y Munez, 28; Mark Gidayan y Dacer, 19 pleaded not guilty of the offense.

Ifugao police also seized from the suspects two M16 armalites, one each carbine and baby armalite, 13 shot magazine for M16 with 195 live ammo, five hand grenades, and subversive documents on November 12, 2009 at Gumhang Tinoc.

Meanwhile, two civilians were shot at Barangay Numpaling in Asipulo by unidentified armed men.

Reports reaching the Provincial Police Office here state that Emilio Dangew, 46 and Rodel Culian, 22, single both farmers were shot in the afternoon of November 15, two days after the police encountered 70 NPAs in Tinoc.

The report revealed that the two farmers were sent by a certain William Natalak to get a native pig which they would butcher that night for a prayer service. When Rodel and Emilio where near the pigpen, they heard gunshots. Emilio was hit on his right and Rodel on his left arm and lower chest area.

Rodel saw three males carrying long firearms and wearing black t-shirts and black pants, boots and combat shoes. Fearing more shots rodel shouted “civilian kami”.** PIA-Ifugao