THE city government of Kabankalan readies assistance for families in Barangay Carol-an affected by the armed conflict in Barangay Tan-awan on Thursday, Sept. 4. (Kabankalan LGU)
BACOLOD CITY – A total of 116 families or 460 individuals were displaced and a Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit member was wounded in an encounter between the 94th Infantry Battalion and New People’s Army in Sitio Balaw, Barangay Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Thursday, Sept. 4.
Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said the encounter against seven members of NPA Central Negros 2 erupted at 4:45 p.m. while soldiers were conducting focused military operations following reports about the alleged presence of rebels allegedly prohibiting civilians from entering the upland part of the village.
One Cafgu member was wounded in the 25-minute encounter. He was hit by a shrapnel in the right cheek, according to Lamzon. He is now recuperating in a hospital.
Lamzon said that three rebels were seen carrying one injured companion while fleeing the clash site. Pursuit operation is ongoing, he said.
The local government reported that residents of Barangay Carol-an were affected by the armed conflict.
Displaced families were 13 from Sitio Balaw, 58 in Sitio Palawis, 16 in Sitio Alambihod, and 29 in Sitio Bulusan.
The city government has provided assistance to displaced residents temporarily sheltered at the Palawis Day Care Center.
Mayor Benjie Miranda assured that the local government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every Kabankalanon.