No lockdown in Himamaylan – Army

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The military yesterday denied reports of a lockdown in Himamaylan, Negros Occidental supposedly due to the series of clashes between government soldiers and New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas.

Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, chief of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, described the allegation as a desperate action of human rights group Karapatan to hamper the government’s peace efforts in the city.

The six encounters that occurred from Oct. 6 to 10 in Barangay Carabalan resulted in the death of rebel leader Romeo Nanta and two Army soldiers, and prompted residents to leave their communities.

Six troopers were wounded in the clashes.

Arevalo said the setting up of checkpoints following the clashes was a normal procedure of the police and the military to ensure the safety of residents and prevent rebels from fleeing.

“The people’s safety is our top priority. Keeping them safe against the NPA at all times is part of our sworn duty,” Arevalo said.

ACT party-list Rep. France Castro joined Karapatan in condemning the alleged military lockdown and indiscriminate bombing by the Army in Himamaylan, which they said caused fear and compromised the safety of the residents.

Some evacuees have started returning to their communities, although those living in Sitios Sig-ang, Medel and Campayas in Barangay Carabalan were not allowed yet, according to Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade.

Himamaylan police chief Lt. Col. Renante Jomocan said 234 families composed of 966 people yesterday returned home in Sitios Cunalum, Daat, Floreto, Kabagbaan, Tingkop, Tugas and Ulalia.

The displaced residents had sought refuge at the Carabalan Elementary School and barangay covered court.

Mayor Raymund Tongson said the evacuees were allowed to return home following a dialogue between local officials and the Army.

Tongson earlier clarified that only around 3,500 residents were displaced by the clashes, noting that the 18,000 figure given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development referred to affected residents.

Pasaporte said they monitored attempts by the NPA guerrillas to return to Sitios Campayas, Medel and Sig-ang.