77th Infantry Battalion denies abduction claims, says Bangad returned safely

The 77th Infantry Battalion (77IB) of the Philippine Army has denied allegations by the group Kaammuyo ti Kappia (KTK) claiming that indigenous farmer Ferdinand “Willy” Bangad was “abducted” and “illegally arrested” in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on 11 August 2025.

In a statement, the 77IB said the claims, publicly aired by KTK spokesperson Fr. Randy Manicap, are baseless and malicious, allegedly intended to mislead the public.

The unit expressed concern that such remarks allegedly align with the propaganda lines of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP–NPA–NDF), a designated terrorist organization under Philippine law, which they said undermines peace, order, and the rule of law.

According to the 77IB, Bangad had long been sought by his own family, including his brothers Thomas and Espino, as well as other relatives from Ifugao, who allegedly sought help to locate him.

The military further claimed that court records show Bangad has a pending Alias Warrant of Arrest for murder (Criminal Case No. 2557) issued by the Regional Trial Court in Lagawe, Ifugao, which was one of the reasons he had allegedly gone into hiding in Ilocos Norte.

The 77IB said Bangad was allegedly found in Sitio Salecsec, Barangay Dampig, Pagudpud, through the assistance of his nephew, Belmar Garvida. After discussions with Garvida and its soldiers, Bangad allegedly agreed to reunite with his family and face legal proceedings.

On their way out, the group was reportedly stopped by Ambo Garvida and Tellas Garvida, leading to a heated argument between Ambo and Thomas Bangad. Ambo Garvida later allegedly relayed the incident to Fr. Manicap.

Local Accounts and Community Reactions

According to local accounts from residents and indigenous leaders, soldiers of the 77IB allegedly went to Sitio Saliclic in Barangay Dampig accompanied by Bangad’s relatives to confirm his whereabouts. Witnesses claimed Bangad was not home when they arrived, prompting the group to wait until he returned from work. Upon his arrival, soldiers allegedly invited him to the 77IB headquarters in Poblacion, Pagudpud, for questioning, citing his alleged background as a former member of a rebel group.

Some community leaders claimed that photos were shown to Bangad to verify his identity, but he allegedly denied recognizing the individuals in them. Members of the Isnag Yapayao Balangon Tribal Council criticized what they described as an improper approach by the soldiers, further alleging that they were asked to sign a logbook without clear explanation. The military, however, denied any coercion, saying documentation was voluntary and part of standard security procedures.

The 77IB identified Ambo Garvida as the KTK leader in Barangay Dampig, while Tellas Garvida is the Indigenous Peoples (IP) chieftain of the same barangay. Both are alleged siblings of Ronie “Nero” Garvida, whom the military claims is a leader of the CPP–NPA’s Regional Guerrilla Unit in Ilocos-Cordillera and faces 11 warrants of arrest for murder and frustrated murder.

Military Position

The battalion maintained that its role was solely to assist and protect Bangad, ensuring his safe return to his family and peaceful surrender to authorities without force or harm. It said the incident demonstrates its commitment to uphold the law, protect civilians, and respect human rights.

The 77IB urged the public to remain vigilant against what it described as attempts to twist facts for propaganda purposes, warning that spreading false information is a known CPP–NPA–NDF tactic to discredit legitimate government operations and sow division in communities.

“The 77th Infantry Battalion remains steadfast in its sworn duty to defend the Filipino people, maintain peace, and protect the integrity of our democratic institutions,” the statement read, while encouraging the public to be responsible on social media and to report those allegedly spreading disinformation that serves terrorist interests.