• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
After declaring the New People’s Army as persona non grata (unwelcome), the Sanggunian Bayan (SB) of Toboso in Negros Occidental defended the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) from its critics.
The development is in connection with the deaths of 19 individuals identified as New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during the clash in Barangay Salamanca on April 19.
In a resolution unanimously approved on April 28, the council members commended the 79IB, as well as the exemplary heroism of PFC Jonny Gallano, who was injured in the armed encounter against the group of rebel leader Roger Fabillar, who was among the fatalities.
Fabillar’s group was behind the murder of at 45 civilians accused as military spies by the NPA in the past year.
Gallano, who is now recuperating from gunshot wounds, was conferred the Military Merit Medal by Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete during the 52nd founding anniversary of the 3rd Infantry Division in Jamindan, Capiz on May 1.
Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso, 79IB commander, thanked the municipal government of Toboso for their support, which is a reflection of the strong and enduring partnership between the military and local government in advancing peace and development.
“This clearly reflects the stand of the people against the NPA violent activities. It shows the unity of the people to stand against this terrorist group,” he said.
Alfonso and several 79IB soldiers were awarded the Gold Cross and Silver Cross medals in recognition of their bravery.
The 79IB chief also lauded the Toboso municipal government for taking a step in recognizing the bravery of those in the frontlines of community safety.
Alfonso assured the public of the 79IB’s continued vigilance and professionalism in addressing security concerns while working closely with stakeholders to sustain public trust and stability.
Jonel Moreno, president of Sambayanang Negros, called on Negrenses not be swayed by the propaganda of the CPP-NPA and its allied groups, who were claiming that some of those killed in gunbattles were plain civilians. | GB
