Pedro Dungoc Sr. --A Teacher, Martyr
April 17, 2017
On April 23, 2017 in Tinglayan Kalinga, we pay tribute to all heroes of the Chico Struggle with the unveiling of the marker dedicated to all men and women of the Chico resistance, such as Macliing Dulag. This historic occasion is part of the 2017 Cordillera Day (33rd) commemoration. From Tinglayan, delegates will proceed to Brgy. Balantoy in Balbalan for Cordillera Day 2017.
Pedro Dungoc Sr., also known by his native name Awi-ang, was born in 1943. He was the eldest of three children. He worked as a farmer, a telephone operator and a teacher in the village of Bugnay, Tinglayan, Kalinga. He was known as the right-hand man of Macliing Dulag because they were often together as the leaders of the struggle against the Chico Dam Project. Being one of the few literate people in Bugnay, he accompanied Macliing Dulag in his travels and translated for him.
Because of the death of his friend, Macliing Dulag, and the injuries he took during the assassination on the night of April 24, 1980, he realized that the fight against the Chico Dam and Marcos dictatorship cannot be solved through legal means alone. Thus, he joined the New People’s Army(NPA). He continued organizing the people and inspired youths to join the NPA.
During a storm in June 22, 1985, Pedro was seriously injured leading to his death. A dying tree fell on their tent pinning Pedro and his companion. His companion, Daniel of Uma, died instantly. Because of his injuries , the rain pouring on them, and also the distance from medical facilities, Pedro Dungoc Sr. died a few hours later. *
Source: Cordillera Heroes published by Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact