Toboso: Philippine Army troopers from the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) have prevented insurgents from regrouping in northern Negros and seized weapons from New People's Army (NPA) remnants following a clash in Toboso, Negros Occidental.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) reported that the 79IB soldiers engaged at least seven remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF) in Sitio Bairan, Barangay General Luna on Tuesday morning. After the encounter, the troops recovered weapons including an M16 assault rifle, a caliber 38mm revolver, firearm magazines, and assorted ammunition, along with food items, personal belongings, and subversive documents.
Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, the 3ID commander, emphasized the dual approach in handling the insurgency by stating, "The fight against insurgency continues, but our efforts are not solely focused on military action. We extend a hand of peace. Lay down your arms, choose a different path."
The clash in Toboso followed an earlier encounter on March 8, where 79IB troops engaged NNF remnants in the hinterlands of Cadiz City. This earlier confrontation resulted in the deaths of two leaders of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor: Hans Ponteras, the acting regional front secretary and finance officer of the Regional Taxation Implementing Group, and regional communications officer Marissa Pobresa.
In response to the ongoing security situation, Mayor Madonnah Jaojoco has ordered the indefinite suspension of classes in the two affected villages beginning Wednesday. "Classes in all levels in Barangay General Luna and in Barangay Tabun-ac Elementary School will be suspended effective March 19 until the revocation of this order to ensure the safety of learners and/or students and school personnel from the ongoing armed encounter," she stated.
As of Wednesday, 412 residents, or 122 families, have sought refuge in two evacuation centers located at the Barangay General Luna covered court and Amparado Elementary School. The municipal government is providing these evacuees with food and other essential needs.
