• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
About 116 families, composed of 480 individuals, were displaced during the twin encounters between Philippine Army soldiers and remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Carol-an, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Monday, May 6.
The affected families, who are residents of Sitios Tagoc, Bobon and Matampa, are temporarily staying at the barangay gymnasium.
They have been provided with essential food packs and medicines by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Office of Rep. Mercedes Alvarez.
The encounters in Sitio Tagoc between soldiers of 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) and remnants of the dismantled Central Negros 2 guerrilla front led to the recovery of four M16 assault rifles, a caliber 5.56 carbine rifle, two rifle grenades, two backpacks, and a bandoleer containing magazines filled with ammunition.
Traces of bloodstains were also discovered at the encounter site, which could indicate that some of the fleeing rebels may have been injured.
In a dialog with the displaced families on May 7, Mayor Benjie Miranda assured the residents that law enforcement effectively manages the situation.
He urged them to continue being vigilant and support the effort of the Philippine Army to maintain peace and progress.
Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, 94IB commander, thanked the community for their support, as he urged those involved with the NPA to surrender.
Alvarez gave P10,000 to Carol-an barangay chairman Jocerel Paculanang for the food of affected families, aside from the loaves of bread distributed by her staff.
She said that she also informed Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the encounters, and requested for family food packs for distribution to the affected families. | GB
