• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Residents of Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City in Negros Occidental, who were affected by the recent armed clashes between troops of the Philippine Army and remnants of the New People’s Army, availed of psychological intervention on March 1.
Facilitated by the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), the psychological intervention aims to elevate the well-being of the internally displaced persons (IDPs), lower their stress levels, promote personalized growth, alleviate symptoms, and target possible disorders.
In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, 79IB commander, thanked the Escalante City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict led by Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. and the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office for their support.
The psychological intervention was held at the Pinapugasan Elementary School, where hundreds of barangay residents were evacuated after they were displaced by the nine encounters on Feb. 21, 22 and 27.
An air strike was also conducted by the Philippine Air Force.
2nd Lt. Fevie Fajardo, 79IB civil-military operations officer, lauded the cooperation of barangay officials and residents in providing timely information that prevented rebel remnants from consolidating their forces.
Three suspected rebels died while 20 assorted firearms were recovered by 79IB soldiers in the series of gunbattles.
Escalante City Vice Mayor Rogelio Prietos said that the Philippine Army does not seek war unless there are threats in the community.
“Despite the effects of the recent events, let us continue to focus on living our normal lives,” Pinapugasan barangay chairman Edgar Rafana told the residents. | GB
