Please leave us in peace.

Hapless and “war-shocked” residents of Barangay Tubtuba in Tubo town, Abra expressed their longing to live in peace as they urged local officials to appeal for both the rebels and military to leave their village. 

The military’s North Luzon Command (Nolcom) reported that Tubtuba expressed concern over the military’s restriction on them to go to their respective farms. 

Residents also complained of the military’s search of houses and stock rooms, including the use of mortars and canons in their pursuit against the New People’s Army. 

But Nolcom commander M/Gen. Isagani Cachuela said the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ primarily concern is to maintain peace and security in every community, especially in areas with reported sightings of NPA rebels. 

Cachuela said he understands the sentiments of Tubtuba residents, who formally filed their complaint before mayor Wilma Gattud and the municipal council to act on their urgent appeal. 

The residents’ complaint mentioned that rebels are frequenting their barangay to hold meetings with the people and allegedly try to convince them to form organizations, and get their food rations or supplies. 

Nolcom also stated that the petition added that residents there do not want the NPA to continue their abovemen-tioned activities in their community, adding that the rebels are sleeping in houses against the will of the owners.   

“The villagers also resent the fact that some of them are tasked to procure supplies for the Communist terrorists. They are also being utilized in the evacuation of NPA casualties after encounters,” according to the Nolcom press statement.  

To recall, residents of Barangay Tubtuba expressed their appeal to the military during the Local Peace and Security Assembly for Cordilleras held in the capital town of Bangued, Abra three months ago.