BACOLOD CITY – Following the armed encounter between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the New People’s Army on Thursday at Sitio Balao, Barangay Tan-awan in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, Mayor Benjie Miranda asked the rebels to cease their activities to ensure the safety of every individual.
Miranda said that encounters and wars between the government and the members of the rebel groups are not a solution to the pressing problems that the country is facing.
“To our brothers on the other side [NPA], let us stop this… It is painful to see that a member of an army or a rebel is being injured in every encounter. We must end this as soon as possible,” Miranda urged the rebels.
The Romeo Nanta Command—New People’s Army (RNC-NPA) claimed that they ambushed the troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) that were conducting an operation at the said area.
RNC-NPA said that the ambush was conducted against the certain personnel of the CAFGU and Philippine Army, whom they claimed are traitors of their group. The armed encounter lasted about two hours.
As a result, at least 116 families, or 460 individuals, have been evacuated. The displaced persons were brought to the Palawis Day Care Center in Brgy. Carol-an, as the facility will serve as their temporary shelter.
Miranda said that the city government, with the help of the Social Welfare Department, has extended support to the displaced individuals.
Food packs, hygiene kits, water, and tents have been provided to the affected families.
“As long as we cannot assure that their community is safe, we will not allow them to go back. They can be assured that the government will help to provide their needs while they are here,” he said.
Miranda also called on the public to coordinate with the authorities as the city aims to achieve an insurgency-free community. As of the press time, the situation in Sitio Balao has returned to normal, after the encounter. (Richard Caballero Jr. via tvds)