By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson renewed his appeal for peace after two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members were killed in separate armed encounters with government troops in Binalbagan town, highlighting the need for a long-term, non-violent solution to the decades-old insurgency.
Lacson, who chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council in the Negros Island Region, emphasized that while security forces will continue operations to safeguard communities, peace remains the provincial government’s priority.
“This is an ongoing conflict that continues to bring fear and disruption to our people. We are once again calling on our rebel brothers and sisters to lay down their arms and allow the government to help them rebuild their lives in peace,” the governor said.
Lacson reiterated that the provincial government is pursuing a balanced approach that combines security operations with development and social programs aimed at addressing the root causes of armed conflict.
“We cannot rely on military action alone. By working with local governments, communities and national agencies, we aim to create opportunities that make armed struggle unnecessary,” he said.
The series of clashes occurred in Binalbagan’s Barangay Bi-ao, on Friday, January 30, involving soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion and an estimated five NPA fighters.
The first encounter took place at 2:50 a.m. in Sitio Apitong, while a second gun battle happened later in the afternoon as troops pursued fleeing rebels about a kilometer from the initial site.
According to the Army, one of the fatalities was identified as Regie Pacheco, also known as alias “Dante,” a finance and logistics officer of the NPA’s Central Negros 2 Regional Strike Force.
Authorities are still working to confirm the identity of the second casualty and determine whether other rebels were wounded.
No military personnel were reported injured in the encounters.
The violence prompted immediate safety measures at the barangay level.
Bi-ao village chief Junefel Aguillon ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in six schools and barangay-run day care centers after residents reported panic following the clashes.
Affected schools include Binadlan Elementary School, Bulwang Elementary School, Nasanagan Elementary School, Biao Elementary School, and Biao National High School.
“The safety of our learners and teachers is our top priority,” Aguillon said, adding that classes will remain suspended until authorities declare the area safe./CJ, WDJ