CAGAYAN, Philippines- Mayor Lloyd Antiporda denied earlier radio reports his bodyguards were disarmed by 30 alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) early Saturday morning.
In an a message to Northern Forum, Antiporda said based on sketchy reports he received from the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police and officials of the beleaguered barangay of Villa Cielo, four licensed shotguns from tanods (barangay police) were taken by the alleged rebels.
“It was Barangay Captain Fortunato Barcena who initiated the license to own and possessed firearms procedure for said firearms,” the Mayor said.
The NPA earlier released a statement to media claiming that they confiscated at least eight firearms from the “goons” of Antiporda.
“Inarmasan ni Antiporda ang mga goons nya sa bawat barangay upang siguraduhin ang kanilang dinastiya. ang mga goons naman na ito ang nagpapalaganap ng takot at karahasan sa mga lumalaban o tumutuligsa sa kurapsyon at krimen ng mga Antiporda,” the NPA said.
Citing reports from reliable sources, Antiporda said the rebel group herded barangay officials and tanods at the Barangay Hall early morning where the firearms of the latter were taken.
There was no report on any harm inflicted by the rebels to the barangay officials.
The Mayor expressed disgust over unfounded reports which always link his security people to any untoward incidents in his municipality.
The former Barangay Tambuli recently opened 36 residential houses to beneficiaries of the Couples for Christ-Answering the Call of the Poor (CFC-ANCOP)-Canada.
Antiporda said the media to always verify and challenge statements from sources so as to avoid confusion among residents. Benjie De Yro/Arapang/Northernforum.net