BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Classes resumed yesterday in three hinterland sitios of Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, after the areas declared “cleared” by the Philippine Army.
Himamaylan City Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson Jr. ordered the resumption of classes in Sitios Sig-ang, Medel and Campayas, in the barangay, after residents were allowed to return to their respective homes.
The three sitios were the sites of six gun battles between the Philippine Army and communist rebels from October 6 to 10, which claimed the lives of Romeo Nanta, regional commander of the NPA in Negros Island, and two Army soldiers.
“On consultation with Department of Education Schools Division Superintendent Gladys Amylaine Sales, the former recommended the resumption of classes in Sitio Campayas, Medel and Sig-ang,” the mayor said in an order.
About 3,500 residents of Brgys. Carabalan and Cabadiangan, all in Himamaylan City, sought refuge in evacuation centers, following the series of armed encounters.*
