Daniel Gibon, spokesman of the Cordillera Peoples Democratic Front, warned that they would heighten their "tactical offensives" as part of fetad or the indigenous peoples war against transnational mining companies for encroaching on their tribal land.
"These mining companies deprive the people of their resources through deception and militarization of tribal villages," Gibon said.
Three mining companies operate in Kalinga, namely Cordillera Exploration Inc., Wolfland Resources Inc., and Makilala Mining Co. Inc.
Government forces in the Cordilleras are concentrated in Kalinga.