• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Three Army soldiers were injured in an armed encounter with remnants of the New People’s Army on March 18 in Sitio Bairan, Barangay General Luna, Toboso, Negros Occidental, which also led to the evacuation of about 252 residents.
PCapt. Arnel Lasap, Toboso police chief, however, said the three Army soldiers who suffered minor injuries are currently in stable condition.
Toboso Councilor Richard Jaojoco reported that 73 displaced families, composed of 252 persons, are now temporarily staying at the Amparado Elementary School and covered court in the same barangay.
The municipal government of Toboso, through its Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, immediately responded to the food and other needs of the internally displaced persons (IDPs), he added
Lasap disclosed that 79IB soldiers encountered around seven remnants of the dismantled NPA Northern Negros Front at about 7:12 a.m. yesterday.
As of press time, the 79IB has yet to respond to repeated calls from media regarding details of the encounter.
Lasap said that there is no clearance yet from the Philippine Army for the affected residents to return to their respective residences, as pursuit operations are still ongoing against the fleeing rebels.
Last week, two top regional officials of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor died in an encounter with 79IB troopers in Brgy. Caduhaan, Cadiz City.*
