BACOLOD CITY -- The provincial government of Negros Occidental mourned the death of two soldiers in a clash with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Saturday, Oct. 8.

The two soldiers were personnel of the 94th Infantry Battalion which engaged the NPA rebels in a series of clashes in the said village since Oct. 6.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson offered his sincerest condolences to the families of the two fallen soldiers.

“They lost their lives in action in the pursuit of peace for the province, and for the security of the people of Himamaylan and Negros Occidental,” Lacson said.

“What our two heroes did for the country, the province, and our people is the highest form of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism that we must always honor and must never forget,” the governor said.

Lacson said they also pray for the speedy recovery of the six soldiers who were wounded in the Oct. 8 clash, and for the fulfilment of genuine peace and harmony in the province.

Meanwhile, Mayor Raymund Tongson Jr., condemned the series of atrocities in the city that already affected nearly 1,000 residents.

Tongson said in a statement that the exchange of gun fires had put the lives of the people in great danger, disrupted their livelihood, and disturbed the peaceful existence of the constituents and their families forcing them to leave their houses, and means of livelihood, and seek temporary shelters in various evacuation centers.

“We want peace and progress to reign in our city,” Tongson said.

Thus, the city government, he added, continues to work for the betterment and development which will redound to the benefit of the people.

For his part, Lt. Col. Van Donaldo Almonte, commander of the 94th IB, said his men offered their lives for the sake of peace in Himamaylan City and in the entire nation.

“I will make sure that their sacrifices will be paid by the attainment of peace in Himamaylan City,” Almonte said as he condoled with the families and loved ones of the two fallen soldiers.

He said their dedication to duty is beyond compare, adding they will forever be a part of the MANDIRIGMA family.

Almonte said that this incident may serve as an eye opener to the other barangays in the city. “We will continue our mission and we will continue to pursue the NPA in Himamaylan City,” he added.

The 94th IB vowed that it will remain steadfast in the war against the NPAs and its supporters.

“We will achieve peace for we believe that a greater number of Himamaylanons support our cause to make their communities free from control and threat by the Communist Terrorists Group,” Almonte said.

On the other hand, Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said the series of encounters stopped the NPA from executing their plans against the indigent communities in the hinterland of Himamaylan, particularly alleged intimidation and extortion activities.

A day prior to the deadly clash, the 62nd IB seized a .45 caliber firearm, two magazines and nine rounds of ammunition of .45 caliber firearm, and a backpack with high intelligence value in the said village on Oct. 7, while a pursuit operation was being conducted against the fleeing armed rebels.

“We are confident that the Himamaylanons will work hand-in-hand with the government to attain peace and development in their area,” Pasaporte said.