NPA leader among killed, 4 rebels slain in Apayao clash

LUNA, Apayao -- An alleged leader of the New People’s Army has been identified as one of four persons killed Oct.4 in a firefight with police officers in this town.

The alleged rebel leader was identified as Efren Cachola Arquillo, alias Mario Domogan of Allacapan, Cagayan.

Chief Supt. Isagani R. Nerez, CordilLera police director named other slain rebels as Vinia Alejandro aka Dina/Rani of Calayucay, Luna  and Rhoby Tumamao Edillo of Binubungan, Allacapan,Cagayan. One of the fatalities has remained unidentified as of Monday.

Authorities recovered an M-16 rifle, an Uzi sub-machine pistol, a caliber .38 revolver, two shotguns, two hand grenades, assorted ammunition and documents from the fight scene.

The firefight occurred at around 6 a.m. in Barangay Calayucay. Senior Insp. Rafael Tangonan, chief of the provincial public safety company, said before the encounter, residents had been complaining about the rebels’ alleged extortion activities in the area.

The rebel group was reportedly led by Efren Arquillo, alias Mario.

In his report to Nerez, Senior Supt. Robert Gallardo said around 6 a.m. on Oct. 3, around 10 heavily armed

men were reported to be conducting extortion activity in Calayucay.

This was validated by members of the Apayao PPO Intelligence Branch. However, while the police were still gathering more information, one of the suspected rebels identified as Vinia Alejandro, suddenly came out from a house noticed the presence of the police personnel and shouted  “Army,” “Army,” to alert her companions.

A firefight between the police team and the rebels immediately ensued. During the clearing operation four dead bodies of the rebels were recovered at the scene of engagement along with their firearms.

The PNP did not sustain any casualty.

The slain rebels were brought to RPV Funeral Parlor, Quirino, Luna, Apayao and claimed by their respective relatives except for the unidentified cadaver.

Nerez said the incident shows that police officers are prepared to go after groups out to disrupt peace in the region.