A medical team examines 600 members of an Aeta community who fled their homes in San Marcelino, Zambales during a clash between soldiers and communist rebels. (PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SAN MARCELINO PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE)
SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES – An ongoing clash between the Army and communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have forced 600 members of an Aeta community to flee their homes in the Zambales town of San Marcelino, local officials said on Saturday (Aug. 22).
Aeta families from Sitio (sub-village) Lumibao in Barangay (village) Buhawen have been staying at a covered court in Barangay Aglao since Thursday (Aug. 20), when the gunfight veered close to their community as soldiers chased after alleged members of the NPA, said Mayor Elvis Soria.
A government trooper was killed in the battle, Soria said.
A medical team and local government employees have been taking care of the displaced villagers.
The mayor said public health measures have been enforced at the evacuation area, given the prevailing threat posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“Magkasama ang ilang empleyado ng munisipyo at barangay ffficials sa pagbibigay ng pagkain sa mga residente at pinapanatili ang social distancing at paghuhugas ng kamay. Nagbibigay rin sila ng face mask sa mga evacuees (Municipal employees and village officials have given out food and have ensured that everyone constantly washes their hands and practices social distancing),” Soria said.