By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) clarified that there are no more active guerrilla fronts in Negros Occidental.

Lt. Colonel J-jay Javines, 3ID spokesperson, said the insurgents engaged in a series of encounters with government troops in Escalante City last week were only remnants of the guerrilla fronts.

Meanwhile, Javines emphasized the necessity of airstrikes during their anti-insurgency operations because they hold an advantage against the rebels.

The 3ID spokesperson said the approach they have taken makes the targets more precise, and reduces the risk of casualties among government forces.

As of yesterday, clearing operations at encounter sites are still ongoing.

Evacuated residents have been allowed to return home.

The clashes in northern Negros took place on February 21, after the 79th Infantry Battalion received information that the suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were extorting food and supplies from local residents.

The eight gun battles culminated with an airstrike by the Philippine Air Force on February 23.

The remains of three suspected NPA members — later identified as Emaren Pastidio, Michael Cabahug and Jose Caramihan — were recovered over the weekend.

Authorities also seized weapons and explosives from the suspected rebels, and they were turned over to police./DGB, WDJ