Victorias City Strengthens Army Peace Efforts in Negros

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – The Victorias City government has donated a two-hectare land and a PHP8 million multipurpose building to the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Gawahon to boost peace and security efforts in northern Negros Occidental.

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a deed of donation during the groundbreaking ceremony on July 1.

The event was attended by Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division; Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso, commander of the 79th IB; Sen. Mark Villar; Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez of the 3rd District; Vice Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca; Barangay Captain Mary Pugna; and other partner agencies.

According to the Army, the project was first initiated under then-Mayor Benitez and then-79th IB commander Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, and has since been sustained by their successors with continued support.

The property will serve as a future Army substation and alternate command post, aimed at improving rapid response, territorial defense, and peace-building operations in the region.

“This donation reflects the trust placed in us by the people and leadership of Victorias City,” Alfonso said in a statement.

“We are honored by this gesture and fully committed to upholding that trust through steadfast and dedicated service,” he added.

As construction began, the 79th IB reaffirmed its commitment to fostering peace and development in partnership with local governments and communities.

The initiative comes amid a series of violent incidents in the northern province, with recent shootings claimed by the New People’s Army in the towns of Toboso, Calatrava, E.B. Magalona, and Victorias City.

Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, 3ID spokesperson, earlier stressed the importance of verifying rebel group claims, cautioning against accepting unverified statements as fact.

He said the military and its allied units are conducting comprehensive investigations into the incidents.