CPLA to cops: Probe Tabuk attack deeper

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet –- Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) chairman Arsenio Humiding is asking the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct an in depth investigation on the attack on CPLA-Kalinga Ground Commander Tirso Iwangga.

“Tirso is a figure in the movement. Let’s protect him and try to expand the investigation into his attack,” Humiding said.

Iwangga survived another attack last week inside his house in Barangay Bolinao. No one was hurt in the incident. The attack was linked to clan war, the police added.

However, Humiding said the attempt cannot be solely attributed to a clan war altogether. “He is a staunch advocate for good governance, he is very vocal about illegal gambling and drugs,” he said.

Humiding said based on internal CPLA investigation the advocacy of Iwangga might have ruffled some feathers in the area adding CPLA factions are also involved in the illegal activities prompting the ambush attempt.