BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division strongly belied claims of militant groups that there is a military lockdown in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, following series of encounters between Army soldiers and New People’s Army rebels.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander, dismissed allegations as another desperate action of self-proclaimed human rights group Karapatan to hamper their peace efforts in Himamaylan City, which aims to protect its residents from terroristic activities of the armed communist terrorist group.
The six encounters between Army soldiers and NPA rebels from October 6 to 10 in Sitio Sig-ang, Medel and Kampayas, all in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, and led to the death of a top Negros rebel leader, as well as two Army soldiers, and injured six others.
It also triggered the temporary dislocation of about 3,500 residents from their respective communities.
Arevalo said the setting up of checkpoints, following series of encounters, is part of normal police and military procedures to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent NPA rebels from escaping the area.
“The people’s safety is our top priority. Keeping them safe against the cruelty of the CPP-NPA terrorists at all times is part of our sworn duty,” he stressed.
With the support and commitment of the concerned local government unit, and other government agencies, especially the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the troops continuously give food packs to the affected families,” Arevalo said.
ACT party-list Rep. France Castro also joined Karapatan in strongly condemning the military lockdown and alleged indiscriminate bombing by the Philippine Army that has caused fear and compromised the safety of the residents of the uplands of Himamaylan.
“We are doing our best to provide them with utmost security and support while they temporarily take refuge at the designated evacuation centers,” Arevalo further said.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development also issued a statement denying reports of media being prohibited from interviewing displaced residents at the evacuation centers in Himamaylan City.*
