Bomb materials seized in Kalinga

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Government troops stumbled upon bomb-making materials believed kept by New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Balbalan, Kalinga last week.

Elements of the Charlie Company of the Army’s 21st Infantry Battalion seized one-fourth pound of C4 explosives, one-half kilo of ammonium nitrate, four meters of detonating cord and 10 rounds of ammunition for M-16 rifle in a deserted house in Sitio Lalagas, Barangay Gawaan in Balbalan town.

Capt. Edmund de los Santos, spokesman of the 501st Infantry Brigade, said they are working with the Balbalan police for the filing of charges against the owner of the house, a certain Jovencio Baluga, for illegal possession of explosives.

Meanwhile, 1,142 new recruits passed the Army’s aptitude examination given in Tabuk, Kalinga last month.

The new recruits are scheduled to undergo rigid training before they are enlisted as regulars in the Armed Forces.

Col. Romulo Supapo, commanding officer of the 501st IB, said the Army is now conducting the aptitude test nationwide to upgrade the quality of recruits.

Supapo said Kalinga has a high number of applicants, indicating a strong support on the village level for the government’s all-out war against communist rebels in the province. — Artemio Dumlao