Himamaylan, CHICKS area under watch in barangay election

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) said that some areas in the southern part of Negros Occidental are under monitoring, as the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) is approaching.

Major General Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said there are still reported sightings of armed men in the hinterlands of Himamaylan City.

“Medyo may laman-laman pa sa Himamaylan and Candoni, Hinoba-an, Ilog, Cauayan, Kabankalan, and Sipalay (CHICKS) area,” he added.

He, however, said that the forces of the New People’s Army (NPA) are waning, as the Army is winning.

“Iyong support from the masses nawawala na,” Sison said, adding that almost all the encounters of the Army were in collaboration with the people in the community.

Sison said they are coordinating with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding the possible election hotspot areas.

But, as of press time, they don’t have a list yet pending their meeting with the Comelec and other government agencies.

Sison said the Comelec will provide the list.

Some major clashes between the Army and the NPA were reported in Himamaylan City.

In fact, the massacre of four family members believed to be perpetrated by the NPA last month was also reported in the city. The NPA has denied the said accusation.

The local government of Himamaylan was one of the awardees during the 37th founding anniversary of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) yesterday for their support in the anti-insurgency campaign of the Army in Negros Island.