Soldier wounded, hundreds displaced in twin armed clashes

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By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – “We will not let up.”

This was stressed by Brigadier General Leonardo Peña, commander of Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde), following two clashes with the remnants of the SouthWest Front of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Cauayan town and Sipalay City, Negros Occidental last Wednesday.

The encounters wounded a member of the 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) and displaced at least 200 residents.

Peña said he is asking for the full cooperation of the community to stop the recovery efforts of the NPA in the said areas.

Peña claimed that the SouthWest Front has already weakened, thus, the collaboration between the community, local government, and the security forces is vital to end the rebellion.

“Konti na lang sila. Kailangan talaga tapusin na dahil kung hindi, iyong Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), parang termites na magugulat ka na lang kapag hindi mo pinansin ay bigla na lang dadami,” Peña said.

Peña said the Army is working hand in hand with the local government to end the battle. “Walang hihinto. Dire-diretso tayo,” he added.

Peña said the first encounter occurred around 11 a.m. at Barangay Camalandaan, Cauayan town when military troopers of the 15th IB responded to reports of alleged extortion activities in the said area.

The soldiers pursued the unidentified armed men towards their withdrawal route and clashed again with the NPA rebels at Sitio Malipayon, Barangay San Jose, Sipalay City, around 5 p.m., which injured one soldier.

“Magkatabi lang kasi iyong dalawang barangays, parang nasa boundary lang,” Peña said.

Peña said that 200 residents from the said barangay were evacuated for their safety. The local government of Sipalay has already provided them with assistance.

Classes in three schools in Barangays San Jose and Camindangan were temporarily suspended until further notice from the Schools Division Office, according to the local government of Sipalay. These are the Binulig Elementary School, Gil Montilla National High School – Binulig Extension, and Omas Integrated School.

Peña said there was no evacuation reported in Cauayan town. He said the wounded soldier is already stable in a hospital in Cebu.

55 soldiers, cops awarded for valor

Meanwhile, 45 personnel of the 94th IB and 10 personnel of the 2nd Negros Occidental Police Mobile Force Company, received a Military Merit Medal from the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) for their bravery shown in a clash in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Jan. 9, that killed an NPA rebel.

Major General Benedict Arevalo led the awarding rites during his visit to the 94th IB headquarters in Barangay Tambo, Ayungon, Negros Oriental last Wednesday.

In his message, Arevalo said the awards will serve as an inspiration to the (Spearhead) troopers to give their best and continue their commitment and dedication to achieve just and lasting peace not only in Negros island but as well as to Western and Central Visayas.