ILOILO CITY—The 3rd Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army said Sunday, Oct. 16, that no military lockdown was imposed in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental amid the series of encounters with the New People’s Army (NPA) since Oct. 6.
"This is yet another desperate action of Karapatan-Negros to hamper our peace efforts in the area that aim to protect the Himamaylanons from the terroristic activities,” said Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 3rd ID commander.
The Left-leaning Karapatan claimed that military lockdowns have been imposed and locals are being forced to leave.
“The Army insisted that there was no forced evacuation, but residents complied out of fear of military atrocities,” said Karapatan in a statement.
The 3rd ID explained that checkpoints are part of normal police and military procedures to ensure the safety of the residents living near the encounter sites.
“This prevents the NPAs from escaping the area. The people's safety is our top priority. Keeping them safe against the cruelty of the NPA at all times is part of our sworn duty," added Arevalo.