Around 400 residents displaced by the encounter between government troops and remnants of the dismantled New People’s Army Northern Negros Front (NNF) in Toboso, Negros Occidental returned home yesterday afternoon after getting clearance from the Philippine Army.

The residents sought shelter in two evacuation centers for their safety during the clash in Sitio Bairan, Barangay General Luna on Tuesday morning, March 18, and the ensuing pursuit operations by government troopers.

“We have received a call from the commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion [IB]. All clear. The evacuees can now return home,” Councilor Richard Jaojoco said in a social media post.

Mayor Madonnah Jaojoco also ordered the resumption of classes on Friday, March 21, in the affected villages.

“Classes in all levels in Barangay General Luna and in Barangay Tabun-ac Elementary School shall resume effective tomorrow, March 21,” she said.

In a report yesterday, the 79IB said that during the clearing operation, troopers also recovered gadgets, such as mobile phones, computer tablets and digital cameras, along with two firearms and live ammunition, food supply and personal belongings.

“Disrupting the enemy’s preparations to carry out tactical offensives, recovery efforts, recruitment and extortion against civilians is crucial since it disrupts their momentum and plans. Consequently, their operations came to a halt and their logistical capacity declined,” Lt. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of 79IB, said in a statement.

The Toboso encounter was the third skirmish between 79IB troops and NNF remnants in northern Negros since last month.

The earlier clashes, both in the hinterlands of Cadiz City, led to the recovery of extortion letters addressed to some sugar planters and businessmen on February 13, and the deaths of two leaders of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor on March 8. (PNA)