• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
After declaring the New People’s Army as “persona non grata,” the Sanggunian Bayan of Toboso in Negros Occidental defended the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion from its critics, in connection with the deaths of 19 individuals suspected as New People’s Army rebels in the recent armed encounters at its remote barangay, for protecting its residents against the terroristic activities of local armed insurgents
In a resolution unanimously approved by the Toboso municipal council during its regular session on April 28, Sangguniang Bayan members commended the 79IB, as well as the exemplary heroism of PFC Jonny Gallano, who was injured in series of encounters against the armed group of Roger Fabillar, who were behind among the murder of 45 civilians that they accused as military spies, from January 25 to April this year.
Fabillar, who was among the 19 dead, has a bounty of P2 million for his arrest.
Gallano, who is now recuperating of his gunshot wounds at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, was conferred on Friday with Military Merit Medal by Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, who was the guest of honor and speaker at the 52nd founding anniversary of Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, in Jamindan, Capiz, on May 1.
Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso, 79IB commander, thanked the municipal government of Toboso for their support, which is a reflection of the strong and enduring partnership between the military and local government in advancing peace and development.
This clearly reflects the stand of the people against the NPA violent activities. It shows the unity of the people to stand against this terrorist group, said Alfonso, who along with several of 79IB soldiers, were honored and conferred with Gold Cross and Silver Cross medals by Army chief Lt. Gen. Nafarrete, in recognition of their bravery, during series of encounters with the NPA remnants in Brgy. Salamanca, Toboso.
He also lauded the Toboso municipal government for taking a step in recognizing the bravery of those in the frontlines of community safety.
Alfonso assured the public of the continued vigilance and professionalism of the 79IB in addressing security concerns, while working closely with stakeholders to sustain public trust and stability.
Jonel Moreno, president of Sambayanang Negros, said that while they were saddened by the deaths of 19 individuals, called on Negrenses not be swayed by propaganda of the CPP-NPA and its allied groups, who were claiming that those killed in gunbattles were plain civilians.*
