Kalinga villagers want 21st IB soldiers out

TABUK, Kalinga — Villagers in Lubuagan town in Kalinga want government soldiers out of their community due to alleged abuses.

The residents of Tanglag have sought the help of Gov. Dominador Belac and the mayors of Pasil and Lubuagan towns to drive away the Alpha Company of the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion which they alleged have committed human rights violations.

Last May 26, soldiers allegedly ransacked the house of a certain Benecio Nagoy in Sawili, Tanglag, carting away food supplies and other items.

After two days, the soldiers allegedly destroyed a window at the Tanglag Elementary School and took several chairs to use as firewood. Some books were also reportedly missing.

In a petition, the villagers also claimed that on May 28, 14-year-old Amiyan Baluga was forced to serve as a guide of the soldiers.

Tanglag folk also criticized the construction by the soldiers of a command post on a private lot near their detachment without informing the landowner, a certain Bagtang Damagon.

They said that as early as Jan. 31 this year, the soldiers have been on a rampage in Tanglag, violating their privacy through illegal searches and interrogation of certain residents.

The 21st IB has agreed to investigate the alleged abuses, saying the soldiers must pay a courtesy call on Tanglag barangay officials whenever they conduct an operation in the village.

The residents demanded that the soldiers wear their complete uniform, including name plates, during operations.

Belac and Mayors Johnny Dikpus and Artemio Dalsen of Lubuagan and Pasil, respectively, are meeting with the officers of the 21st IB soon to discuss the villagers’ petition.