Moises Padilla mayor calls for peace after boy’s death in crossfire

By Glazyl M. Jopson and Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Moises Padilla Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo has called for an end to the armed conflict between the military and the New People’s Army following the death of a six-year-old boy caught in the crossfire during a clash in Barangay Quintin Remo, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025.

The boy, a Grade 1 student at Agogolo Elementary School, was inside his grandmother’s house in Sitio Matal-i when a bullet struck him in the head during a firefight between troops of the Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion and suspected NPA rebels.

He died on the spot.

“It’s heartbreaking that a child, innocent and blameless, lost his life in this war,” Yulo said.

“Let’s talk — for peace, for freedom,” she added.

Yulo, joined by Vice Mayor Felix Mathias Segundo “Pimpoy” Yulo, extended condolences and support to the boy’s grieving family, with the vice mayor personally visiting the funeral home.

The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office said the local government will shoulder the boy’s burial expenses and will provide psychological debriefing to the family.

Yulo said residents in the upland communities, mostly farmers, are often trapped in the conflict, questioned alternately by the military and rebels about the presence of the opposing group.

She urged remaining NPA members to surrender and assured that both local and provincial governments are prepared to assist those who wish to lay down their arms.

Army spokesperson Capt. Jessie Ebalan of the 3rd Infantry Division said soldiers were conducting focused operations in Sitio Matal-i after receiving reports that NPA remnants from the dismantled Central Negros 1 unit were in the area engaging in extortion activities.

Ebalan said the troops were fired upon by the rebels, prompting a 10-minute exchange.

The soldiers reportedly did not know civilians were nearby, as they were positioned behind the residential area while the NPA faced the households.

The child’s family informed the military of the casualty after the firefight.

Ebalan said the soldiers assisted in bringing the child’s body to a funeral home and coordinated with the local government.

“We are saddened that a civilian, particularly a boy who had no involvement in insurgency-related problems, lost his life,” Ebalan said.

“We are not taking this lightly.”

Recovered from the NPA position were empty cartridges of M16 rifles and 40mm grenades, along with food supplies and personal belongings.

Ebalan said there were reports of rebel injuries, which are still being verified.

“They’re trying to recover and recruit, but we will not allow it,” he said.

He also said the victim’s family was provided security, citing concerns that the NPA may exploit the tragedy for propaganda.

“How would they justify their propaganda as protectors of civilians when they are the ones endangering lives?” Ebalan asked.

He added that gunfire resumed during pursuit operations, and clearing efforts are ongoing.

No evacuations have been ordered.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, condemned the NPA for initiating a firefight in a populated area.

“Since the NPA was in the area to extort from residents, they were fully aware the place was populated with innocent civilians,” Jumawan said.

“Yet, without hesitation or regard for civilian safety, they attacked the soldiers, clearly showing their disrespect for human life and the welfare of the people they exploit.”

Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region said security and coordination protocols were implemented immediately after the clash.

Moises Padilla police were directed to coordinate closely with Army troops and submit progress reports in partnership with the 62nd IB.

Field commanders deployed personnel for rapid reinforcement and coordinated with intelligence units from the 62nd IB, the police, and the 604th Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion for continuous monitoring.

All hospitals and health facilities in the area were placed under observation for possible admission of wounded NPA rebels.

Nearby police stations were placed on heightened alert and instructed to maintain a full security posture, validate incoming reports to avoid enemy “bait and catch” tactics, and conduct checkpoints in strategic areas.

Police units were also ordered to conduct hospital visits to check for potential identification of injured rebels.

The Army is working with police to investigate the circumstances of the incident and determine the precise cause of the child’s death.

Mayor Yulo noted that the area, located near the boundary with Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental, is classified as a red zone — a military designation for rebel-infested territories.