Escalante city: Troopers of the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), along with community volunteers and private donors, are constructing a home for the family of the late Joe Caramihan, who died in an armed conflict in Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental last year.
According to Philippines News Agency, Caramihan, a former member of an anti-crime volunteer group, was among those killed during a series of clashes from February 21 to 27, which also resulted in the deaths of three remnants of the New People's Army in northern Negros. 1Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, 79IB civil-military operations officer, stated in an interview that, in addition to the shelter assistance, the family has received cash aid, livelihood support, and educational assistance from national government agencies, the provincial government, and the local government unit (LGU).
Samoza emphasized the importance of the support provided to the family, noting, "They are grateful for the assistance. We never abandoned them; we never treated them as enemies. They are victims of the false narrative and ideology of the communist-terrorist group." He also mentioned that the construction materials for the house were donated by the Felix G. Yusay Foundation and facilitated by the 79IB in partnership with the LGU and Barangay Council of Pinapugasan.
Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso, acting commander of 79IB, remarked on the broader significance of the project, stating, "In the 79IB, we believe that true victory is not only measured by the battles we win, but also by the hearts we heal and the lives we help rebuild. This is also a reminder to our people that nothing good will ever come from armed struggle."
The "Battle of Pinapugasan," which occurred in Sitio Mansulao, resulted in three soldiers and a militiaman being wounded during the initial encounter on February 21. The week-long clashes led to the displacement of 1,092 individuals from 268 families and the suspension of classes in eight villages of Escalante City and the entire neighboring Toboso town.
