The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) is paying tribute to the sacrifices of government troops and the lives lost on the first anniversary of the week-long clashes in Barangay Pinapugasan, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

The so-called “Battle of Pinapugasan” took place in Sitio Mansulao from February 21 to 27, 2024.

In a statement yesterday, 79IB Commander Lt. Colonel Arnel Calaogan underscored the spirit of healing and reconciliation in the commemoration of the event.

“This is not a celebration of battle but a tribute to those who suffered — the soldiers and Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit [Cafgu] members who bravely fought for peace, and the rebels who were misled by deceitful propaganda,” he said.

Between February 21 and 22 last year, a series of clashes between troops of the 79IB and remnants of the dismantled New People’s Army Northern Negros Front claimed the lives of three rebels, including Emaryn “Jandie” Pastedio and Christopher “Michael” Ebarle, who were recruited as child warriors several years back, and Jose Caramihan, a former member of an anti-crime volunteer group.

Three soldiers and a militiaman were wounded during the first encounter on February 21.

They were identified as 2nd Lt. Frenzy Jarey Gonzales, Privates First Class Jiesard Mesina and Sandie Cabayle, as well as Cafgu member Eduardo Linogon.

On the week of the clashes, 1,092 individuals from 268 families were displaced and classes were suspended in eight villages in Escalante City and the entire neighboring Toboso town.

On Sunday, February 23, the 79IB held a holy mass and a candle-lighting ceremony together with members of the families of the slain rebels, who have been receiving government assistance, at the battalion headquarters in Sagay City.

“By commemorating the Battle of Pinapugasan, we pay tribute to the triumphs won as well as the everlasting value of solidarity, fortitude, and the unwavering pursuit of peace for long-term security in northern Negros,” Calaogan said. (PNA)