• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Local officials of Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental led by Mayor Raymund Tongson issued statements condemning the violence brought by the encounter between troops of the Philippine Army and remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Bulod, Barangay Carabalan on Oct. 17.
In statement Thursday night, Oct. 22, Tongson said the city government is “deeply concerned about the reported armed encounter”.
“I strongly condemn any act of violence that endangers civilians and disturbs the peace of our communities. My thoughts are with all those injured and their families, and I pray for their swift and complete recovery,” he added.
The encounter resulted in injuries to a civilian, a government militiaman and two soldiers.
Tongson said the city government continues to coordinate closely with barangay officials and the appropriate authorities to monitor the situation and extend assistance where needed.
“We ask our people to remain calm, follow verified advisories, and refrain from spreading unconfirmed information. The safety and security of every Himamaylanon, together with the peace of our communities, remain our highest priorities,” the mayor said.
In a separate statement, Carabalan officials said the clash caused fear and anxiety among residents and disrupted the peace and security of the community.
They also strongly denounced all forms of violence, harassment and other acts that could bring disorder and fear to residents.
Village chief Mildred Titular appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant while cooperating with authorities to help maintain peace and security in the area.
The incident came amid renewed concerns over violence linked to the communist insurgency in southern Negros.
In nearby Binalbagan, acting mayor Mary Ann Mirasol also called for peace and justice, following a series of killings, among these the Oct. 5 shooting of a 55-year-old force multiplier in Sitio Capaklan, Barangay Santol.
Police initially identified the victim as alias “Jolito” while the NPA’s South Central Negros Command later claimed responsibility and identified him as Dioleto Arnado, alleging that he was gathering intelligence for government security forces.
In a statement on Oct. 19, Mirasol expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and called for thorough and impartial investigation, stressing that neither political ideology nor personal grievances could justify the unlawful taking of human life.
“Binalbagan deserves peace, not violence; justice, not fear; progress, not poverty,” she added. | GPB
