Three Soldiers Hurt, 122 Families Displaced in Toboso Clash

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Three soldiers were injured, and 122 families, or 412 individuals, were displaced following a clash with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sitio Bairan, Barangay General Luna, Toboso, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday.

Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, spokesperson of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said the wounded soldiers belonged to the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) and included a corporal, a private first class, and a private.

Lamzon said the corporal sustained a gunshot wound to the left shoulder, the private first class suffered injuries to the right leg, and the private sustained shrapnel wounds to the right side of his face.

The soldiers are recuperating in a hospital and will be transported to an Army-accredited medical facility, he added.

Lamzon said the troops were pursuing remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF) Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS) when they encountered the rebels.

Military forces recovered an M16 assault rifle and other war materials, including a .38-caliber revolver, magazines for M16 and AK-47 rifles, assorted ammunition, subversive documents with high intelligence value, and personal belongings.

The clash occurred nearly two weeks after the 79th IB engaged suspected NPA rebels in Hacienda Paraiso, Barangay Caduha-an, Cadiz City, on March 8, resulting in the deaths of two alleged high-ranking NPA leaders.

In a statement released Wednesday, Major Gen. Michael Samson, 3ID commander, said the fight against insurgency continues, but military efforts are not solely focused on combat operations.

“We understand that some individuals may still be caught in the cycle of violence. We extend a hand of peace. Lay down your arms and choose a different path,” he said.

Councilor Richard Jaojoco said they are awaiting clearance from the Army or police before allowing displaced residents to return home.

Jaojoco said financial assistance will later be provided to affected households through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.

However, Lamzon said there was no real need for an evacuation, as the encounter site was far from residential areas.

He explained that the municipal government and barangay officials took the initiative to evacuate residents as a precautionary measure.

Lamzon also addressed reports of a house being hit by a bullet, clarifying that the Army did not target any homes during the firefight.

“We would not engage a home just to flush out enemies. We are the first to ensure civilians are not involved,” he said, adding that the house in question was reportedly used by the rebels as a temporary shelter.

Pursuit operations are ongoing, and another clash is expected as the remaining rebels are now scattered, Lamzon said.

Class Suspension

Meanwhile, classes were suspended at all levels in Barangay General Luna and Tabun-ac Elementary School in Barangay Tabun-ac on Wednesday, March 19, due to the encounter.

In an executive order issued by Mayor Madonnah Jaojoco, the local government stated that the recent clash posed a threat to students and school personnel in the affected areas.

“There is a need to ensure the safety of learners and school personnel,” the order read.