BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The three remaining sitios in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental were finally cleared almost two weeks after running gun battles ensued between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents.
Himamaylan City mayor Raymund Tongson, in an advisory posted on his official social media page, said sitios Campayas, Medel and Sig-ang have been cleared and preparations are now being made for the evacuated residents in the area to return home.
Returning residents will be provided food packs and other donated goods, and they will also be given free medical check-ups by the locality’s health office.
The city government will also handle the transportation of the affected residents.
Tongson thanked all those who helped the evacuees. He called on Himamaylanons to remain united amid whatever adversities.”
Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) commander, also confirmed that the three sitios in the hinterland areas of Himamaylan City have already been cleared of rebels.
Pasaporte also announced that they have ceased their operations./PN
