Lawmaker gives cash aid to kin of fallen, wounded soldiers

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Fifth District Representative Ma. Lourdes Arroyo in Negros Occidental denounced the New People’s Army (NPA), following the bloody encounter with the government forces in Himamaylan City two weeks ago.

“I condemn the violent acts of the NPAs that were carried out during the time when all people both in government and the private sector should be doing their utmost to combat the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in unison,” Arroyo said.

Arroyo also expressed her deepest condolences to the bereaved families of three fallen soldiers and her gratitude to the four wounded troopers in combat.

“To our troops, get well soon and thank you for your contributions you have given to our country especially in these trying times caused by COVID-19 pandemic,” she said.

The congresswoman, through lawyer and chief district officer Romulo Gonzaga, also gave financial assistance to the families of the seven soldiers at the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) headquarters in Murcia town on Friday.

Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd IBde commander, witnessed the turnover.

P110,000 was given to the dependents of the three casualties while P55,000 was provided to the families of the four wounded soldiers.

Troopers of the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) clashed with the NPA at Barangay Carabalan on April 19, killing 2nd Lieutenant Ralf Amante Abibico, Private First Class Carl Venice Bustamante, and Corporal Joel Nobleza.

Corporal John Cris Laus, Corporal Lismer Jade Tumayao, Private First Class John Paul Geonzon, and Private First Class Alexis Mepranum were wounded.

Meanwhile, Pasaporte thanked the members of the Congress in Negros Island, especially Arroyo for facilitating the distribution of the cash assistance, as well as for issuing a statement of condemnation against the NPA for their violent acts against troopers who secured the distribution of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) grants.