Manila: Two Negrense lawmakers have expressed continued support for the collaboration between the local government units here and the national government in ensuring a safe and secure Negros Occidental. Representatives Mercedes Alvarez (6th district) and Javier Miguel Benitez of the (3rd district) joined Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson in meeting with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at the Provincial Capitol here over the weekend.
According to Philippines News Agency, Alvarez stated that Teodoro's visit to Negros Occidental "underscores the importance of strengthening defense and disaster-response coordination as we build the new Negros Island Region." She emphasized the significance of the Defense chief's presence, especially with ongoing military operations and Kanlaon Volcano's active status.
"We reaffirm our commitment to joint, collaborative efforts between the national government and LGUs to protect our communities, enhance readiness, and ensure swift, unified responses to any threat or emergency," Alvarez said. Her legislative district includes the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay, as well as the municipalities of Hinoba-an, Ilog, Candoni, and Cauayan in southern Negros.
In a separate statement, Benitez expressed gratitude to Lacson for inviting him to the meeting with Teodoro, where they discussed "public order, safety, and development in Negros Occidental." He asserted that "public order comes first. Without it, progress never reaches the people who need it," highlighting the importance of safety for community development.
Benitez further noted that "when a province is safe, progress reaches even the person at the back of the line." He acknowledged the ongoing efforts and stated, "There is more to do, but on the safety and future of every Negrosanon, the province and the national government are working as one."
On Saturday, Teodoro met with troops of the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion in Sagay City and the 15th Infantry Battalion in Cauayan town. His visit follows both units' operational accomplishments in Negros Occidental, where two separate encounters between government troops and NPA remnants - in Toboso on April 19 and in Cauayan on May 16 - resulted in the death of 24 rebel combatants.
In Toboso, 19 persons identified as NPA members died, among them Roger Fabillar Tapang, the leader of the dismantled Northern Negros Front, while in Cauayan, five NPA remnants were killed, including Vince Francis Dingding, the secretary of the dismantled Southwest Negros Front.
