In Negros Occidental, evacuees return home after clashes end

FOOD PACKS Evacuees housed at San Isidro Elementary School in Toboso, Negros Occidental, get food packs before they return to their homes over the weekend after fighting between government troops and communist rebels ended.—PHOTO COURTESY OF COUNCILOR RICHARD JAOJOCO

BACOLOD CITY—Evacuees from the town of Toboso and Escalante City in Negros Occidental have returned home on Sunday after the security situation has gradually stabilized in the two localities following a series of encounters between government troopers and the New People’s Army last week.

Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, spokesperson for the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), said there have been no more reported sightings of armed rebels, which signaled a positive shift toward peace and normalcy.

“However, the Army continues its diligent clearing operations to ensure the area remains secure,” he said in an interview on Monday.

Three suspected rebels were killed in the encounters while three soldiers and a militiaman were hurt.

The bodies of slain alleged rebels—identified as Emaryn Pastedio alias “Jandie,” Christopher Ebarle alias “Michael” and Jose Caramihan alias “Jose”—were brought to Shekainah Funeral Homes in Escalante City, where their relatives can claim them.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said the airstrike on Feb. 22 against the fleeing rebels underscored the military’s commitment to address threats posed by insurgent activities, particularly in areas where civilians’ safety and well-being are compromised.

“The timing and precision of the military operation reflect a responsive military capability that can ensure the protection of communities affected by the presence of the rebels,” he said.

Returning displaced individuals to their homes is crucial in restoring stability and rebuilding communities in Escalante and Toboso, Sison said.

Financial, food aid

Toboso Councilor Richard Jaojoco said classes resumed in the town on Monday, with the return of the evacuees to their homes.

The Western Visayas Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office-Disaster Response Management Division provided P971,364 in assistance to the displaced individuals in Escalante City and Toboso who had to flee their homes during the clashes.

“The DSWD Field Office VI is one in heart with these LGUs (local government units) who respond to the armed conflict. We cannot imagine the trauma of families, especially the children, when they hear an exchange of gunfire. Rest assured that our office will continue to help,” DSWD Regional Director Carmelo Nochete said.

READ: 3 battles between AFP, NPA in Negros Occ. kill 3 rebels, injure 3 troops

Based on the reports from the Local City Social Welfare and Development Offices of Escalante City and Toboso, 268 families with 1,092 individuals were affected.

They were provided food and nonfood items consisting of 366 family food packs, 183 hygiene kits and 183 sleeping kits to augment the initial assistance provided by LGUs, the DSWD said. INQ