SAN FRANCISCO, Quezon – Classes in elementary and high school in 11 barangays here are suspended until Friday, Feb. 3, due to the ongoing military pursuit operation against New People’s Army rebels.
Mayor Romulo Edano issued an order cancelling classes in Barangays Butanguiad, Casay, Don Juan Vercelos, Huyon-uyon, Inabuan, Mabunga, Nasalaan, Pagsangahan, Pugon, Silongin, and Santo Niño starting Monday, Jan. 30, to ensure the safety of students and residents.
"This is what we decided to do to maintain the safety of the students and the citizens of the barangays based on the report and recommendation that the Philippine Army gave us regarding the ongoing encounter between the military and the rebels," Edaño said.
Edaño added that decisions and actions relative to the internal security situation shall be made later in the week depending on the situation report given by government security and public safety forces.
The military encountered communist guerrillas on Friday, Jan. 27, in the adjacent town of San Andres, Quezon. Three NPA rebels were killed and one soldier was wounded in the gun battle.
The insurgents fled to different directions, including the 11 barangays where classes are suspended.