Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Himamaylan City Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tiongson Jr. have expressed hope that the armed conflict in Barangay Carabalan in the southern city would end soon to allow the displaced residents to return home.
“We’re praying for it,” the two officials told reporters.
During his visit to Himamaylan on Thursday, Lacson was briefed on the latest situation and met with the displaced residents at the evacuation centers in barangays 1 and 3.
Of the more than 18,000 affected individuals mainly from barangays Carabalan and Cabadiangan, and a portion of Barangay 3, up to 3,500 persons have been staying in evacuation sites since the series of clashes between troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion and Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (NPA) rebels began on October 6.
Lacson appealed to the evacuees to let the military clear the encounter sites first before they would be allowed to go home.
“Let’s all pray for this to end. We don’t want this to happen. I hope you will continue to be patient. I will make sure you will receive the assistance that you need,” he added.
Lacson was joined by officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), including Undersecretary Vilma Cabrera and DSWD 6 (Western Visayas) Director Carmelo Nochete.
“The DSWD, together with the city government, will assist you. Let’s do this together. The government will not leave your side. For the DSWD, you are all important,” Cabrera assured the displaced residents.
Since early this week, relief goods from the DSWD and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office have been arriving in Himamaylan.
Tongson said that on Thursday, the displaced residents were set to receive financial aid and other forms of assistance.
“I assure you that once this problem is over and you have returned home, we will look for funds to help you in your livelihood. No matter what happens, I ask you not to lose your trust in the government. The City of Himamaylan has enough resources to help you,” he added.
The encounter on October 8 killed two soldiers and injured six others.
On the enemy’s side, the casualty was Romeo Nanta, the commanding officer of the Regional Operational Command of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, whose body was found by soldiers on October 10.
Source: Philippines News Agency