BACOLOD CITY – Three Himamaylan sitios where the government troops and the New People’s Army rebels clashed had already been cleared, paving the way for the remaining evacuees to return home, the military said on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

The Philippine Army said that its 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) has cleared Sitios Sig-ang, Medel, and Campayas – all of Barangay Carabalan in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental – from insurgency threat.
Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd IBde, said that less than 300 evacuees from these sitios left the evacuation center in Barangay Carabalan gymnasium and covered court today (Wednesday, Oct 19).
The city government prepared food packs, and other items, as well as medicines to the affected residents. They were also transported back to their houses and were given medical attention.
Mayor Raymund Tongson Jr. expressed his gratitude to everyone for their support, cooperation, and assistance provided to the city government and the affected residents.
The Army took a while to clear these areas considering that the series of armed encounters between the military troops and the rebels occurred at these sitios from Oct. 6 to Oct. 12. Residents of sitio Campayas were also affected owing to their proximity to the areas of conflict.
Affected residents from other sitios have returned to their houses on Oct. 15, after nine days of staying at the evacuation centers.