2 policemen in Dalican, Bontoc were killed during an alleged attack by NPA rebels

Two policemen died while two others were wounded when alleged members of the New People's Army or NPA attacked them while conducting a tactical operation in the vicinity of Bandong Hill, barangay Dalican in Bontoc. The attack happened last Saturday (March 29) which coincidentally was the 45th founding anniversary of the NPA. The NPA which is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines was formed on March 29, 1969.

According to Supt. Davy Limmong, public information officer of the Police Regional Office Cordillera, joint elements of the Regional Public Safety Battalion, 54th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and PPSC of the Mt. Province Police Office were in the area to conduct a tactical operation after receiving reports that there are rebels encamped in the area. It was during this tactical operation that the cops and soldiers were fired upon.

The two policemen killed during the encounter were PO1 Marcelo Kilasen and PO1 Jefferson Sari. Those who were wounded were PO1 Benildo Magan and PO1 Romeo Fakat Jr. Magan and Fakat Jr. were immediately brought to the Bontoc General Hospital for medical treatment.

Mt. Province has been the location lately of encounters between government forces and rebels. In June of last year, NPA rebels attacked over a hundred police trainees in Kabunagan, Tadian who were out for a morning jog. A trainee died while several others were wounded.