• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Local chief executives of Negros Occidental came to the defense of the Philippine Army in upholding peace and security while Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson maintained that the April 19 incident in Toboso was a “legitimate encounter”.
Lacson, who chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council–Negros Island Region, said the military operation could not have succeeded without the cooperation of residents in the community.
“I think we should also realize that the Army could not have done that without information from the community. Clearly, the community helped guide the Philippine Army to run after their target. We do not question the Philippine Army,” the governor said.
The encounter in Barangay Salamanca resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals, including alleged rebel leader Roger Fabillar. Two American activists and two student activists from the University of the Philippines were also among those killed.
Lacson expressed appreciation for the sacrifices of soldiers in maintaining peace in the province.
“We appreciate them because they are out there every day, sacrificing their lives for us to be free,” he said.
Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Lacson said nearly 97 percent of Negrenses consider the province peaceful.
The governor also dismissed calls for a congressional inquiry into the incident, saying the Commission on Human Rights is already conducting an investigation in Negros Occidental.
“If you ask me, I will not call for an investigation because I trust the Philippine Army,” Lacson added, reiterating that the clash was the result of a legitimate military encounter.
On proposals to resume peace talks with the remaining members of the New People’s Army (NPA), Lacson said the rebel group should first lay down their arms.
Meanwhile, the Negros Association of Chief Executives (Negros ACE) issued a statement backing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its efforts to uphold peace and security in the region.
Cadiz City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. chairperson of Negros ACE, said the organization recognizes the duty of the AFP to defend Filipino communities against insurgency and armed violence.
“We remain steadfast in our support of the rule of law, the protection of Filipino communities, and the continued efforts of the AFP to preserve peace and stability in our region. The safety and protection of our citizens remain our paramount concern,” Escalante said.
Negros ACE acknowledged the broader social implications of the April 19 encounter involving troops from the 79th Infantry Battalion and alleged NPA members, describing the deaths as a tragic loss for Negrenses and Filipinos alike.
The organization urged members of the NPA to abandon armed struggle and instead pursue peaceful and democratic means to address social injustice, inequality, and marginalization.
“The loss of life is too high a price to pay for peace and social equality in our country,” Escalante said.
He also called on communities to promote healing, unity, and compassion instead of retaliation and violence.
“Let this moment not deepen conflict but instead serve as a turning point toward understanding and lasting peace,” he added. | GB
