BACOLOD City – Residents of Sitio Puting Bato, Barangay Washington, Escalante City, Negros Occidental supported the military’s anti-insurgency campaign, according to the Philippine Army.
Around 800 villagers joined the dialogue the local government hosted at the barangay gymnasium Monday. They condemned the presence of the New People’s Army in their community, the Army said.
The locals urged others to stop aiding the NPA to spare their families from harm, especially during armed encounters.
They also wanted to make a petition to evict individuals identified as NPA supporters, most of whom were illegal settlers, the military said.
Furthermore, they wanted to pass a resolution – to be approved by Mayor Eddie Montero – for the city government to stop providing funds and material support to leftist organizations supporting the NPA, said the Army.
Last Friday a joint Army and police force had a firefight with a group of rebels in Sitio Puting Bato. Two NPA fighters were believed killed but their bodies were brought by their fleeing comrades.
The military released a photo showing the firearms, ammunition and other items seized by government forces after the clash.
During the dialogue the residents said the rebels, before fleeing after the encounter, threatened to harm those who would report their whereabouts to the authorities, the Army claimed.
The villagers’ support was a “big boost” to the anti-insurgency campaign, Colonel Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros Island, said in a statement.
“The populace of a bailiwick [of the rebels] is now the one condemning and taking action against the NPA and their supporters,” said Arevalo.
“As I have said before, this fight against them is not only for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police. We need the support of everyone to win this campaign,” he added.
Arevalo encouraged “sitios, barangays, municipalities, cities, individuals, and other organizations to be inspired by the bravery of the residents of Sitio Puting Bato and follow their lead.”
Aside from Montero, also present at the Monday meeting were Lieutenant Colonel Emelito Thaddeus Logan, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion; Superintendent Negrado Sabando, Escalante City police chief; Janine Agwata, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office; and Washington barangay captain Rene Tiguelo. (PNA)
