BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The provincial government of Negros Occidental is sending relief supplies to 15,000 individuals in Himamaylan City displaced by the long-drawn-out skirmishes between government troops and the New People’s Army (NPA).
Provincial administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said the supplies include food packs and hygiene kits.
The displaced individuals from barangays Carabalan, Cabadiangan and 3 are currently in various evacuation centers.
Diaz said the Provincial Health Office (PHO) has also sent doctors and nurses to check on the health of the evacuees.
The water being provided to evacuees is also thoroughly checked to prevent outbreaks of water-borne diseases.
“We hope and pray nga ang nga clashes sa Himamaylan between the [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and the NPA will soon come to an end para makabalik na ang aton mga pumuluyo sa ila mga panimalay,” Diaz said.
People fled their homes on Oct. 6, after government forces stumbled on an alleged NPA harboring area in Sitio Sig-ang, Barangay Carabalan in Himamaylan City.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) has released 10 sacks of rice, 240 family food packs, five boxes of fortified meals, 10 boxes of corned beef, 10 boxes of beef loaf, and five boxes of arroz caldo.
The 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde) commander, Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, is expected to submit his report soon to Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson./PN
