BACOLOD CITY – The 79th Infantry Battalion launched precision airstrikes on Thursday night, February 22, against remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front (NNF)-D, following a series of clashes with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.
AIRSTRIKES pummeled remnants of communist rebels in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Thursday, February 22.
Lt. Col. J-jay Javines, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said that they used two Augusta Westland-109 Nighthawk Attack Helicopters (AW-109AH) from the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
A video of the air strike has been circulating on social media.
Javines said that they adhered to strict guidelines, emphasizing careful risk assessment to mitigate collateral damage, when they launched the airstrike.
He added that various factors, such as the proximity of residential zones, utilities, and livestock, underwent a thorough evaluation.
Javines said that this method underscores the importance of safeguarding civilian lives and limiting property damage, adding that such measures are integral to ensuring responsible and effective military operations while minimizing adverse impacts on communities.
Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, said the Army would remain steadfast in its commitment to completely eradicate armed groups in Negros and assured the public that no residents were harmed during the airstrike.
“This effort reflects our commitment to decisively confront and neutralize the remnants of the insurgent forces, thereby safeguarding communities and promoting stable internal peace and security in Negros Island,” he added.
Mayor Melecio Yap Jr. expressed concern on the conflict. “The city of Escalante strongly condemned the recent incident in the city that has resulted in loss of lives and caused suffering to several individuals.”
Yap assured the people of Escalante that they are doing everything necessary to keep everyone safe from danger and assist those affected.
He pledged that the city government will take proactive measures to restore peace in the city and urged communist rebels to cease the conflict and to return to the fold of the law.
The 3rd ID has confirmed the identity of the three NPA rebels killed in a series of clashes in Escalante City on Wednesday, February 21 – Emaryn Pastedio, alias “Jandy,” Christopher Ebarle, alias “Michael,” and Jose Caramihan, alias “Jose.”
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/21/3-npa-rebels-killed-in-escalante-city-gun-battle-1
Javines said that Pastedio was a medic and cultural officer of the NNF-D who was arrested in an encounter in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental but was later released due to her being a minor.
In 2021, she left her two-month-old baby in Talisay City to evade government forces. Her child was subsequently rescued and turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and later transferred to a child care institution.
Javines said that Ebarle was one of the four siblings who were rescued by the 79th IB in Barangay Hilub-ang, Calatrava, Negros Occidental but declined to be placed under DSWD custody, as they opted to stay in the village.
Sison condoled with the families of the fatalities and assured them that necessary support would be provided to them in coordination with local government units (LGUs).
“While we extend our sympathies to the families of those killed, this incident underscores the consequences of refusing the path of peace. It indicates what awaits those who persist in violence," Sison said.