Scores killed in govt-reb heavy gunfights

By Mar T. Supnad

STA LUCIA, Ilocos Sur -- A Philippine Air Force UH-1H helicopter was downed Sept. 10 after it tried to transport troops while Army soldiers engaged around 40 heavily armed New People’s Army rebels along a mountainous area here.

Scores were reportedly killed, including an Army soldier, during the fierce firefights which lasted more than two days.

Senior Supt. Eduardo Dopale, Ilocos Sur police director, said, however, the downing of the helicopter gunship was not caused by enemy fire but an accident and that all its occupants were safely evacuated before it was totally burned.

Col. Rogelio Mijote of 50th Infantry Batallion of Philippine Army, confirmed the government helicopter gunship crash land in Barangay Nagrebcan, this town but said that all its crews- 2 pilots, two crews and soldiers- are all safe.

Col. Dopale identified the victim on the government side as Sgt. Wilson Wagayen of the 51st IB.

According to Dopale, scores of the rebels were also killed in the firefight that started morning of Sept. 10.

Government troops recovered an M16 armalite rifle, laptop computer, subversive documents and personal belongings of the rebels.

According to Col. Mijote, the chopper was to provide rescue operations as the government troops and the rebels were engaged in firefights in Barangay Sapang, Santa Lucia but it suddenly encountered engine trouble.

Although the army soldiers were complete with firepower including an armored personnel carrier, Dopale and his men also provided support personnel to the area due to the large number of rebels led by one Kumander Renato/Emmanuel Amolot in the town.

Solders from the Charlie Company of 50th Infantry Batallion headed by Lt. Jonathan Valenzuela also rushed to the area as firefights become more intense when the rebels fought back the large number of government troopers.

Few years ago, suspected rebels burned down the municipal police station here and killed a number of policemen in a daring night attack here.

This town is still considered a hotbed for the rebels due to their deeply-rooted influence among the folks here, although government troops continue to belittle the rebels’ strength and influence on the community.