By CESAR JOLITO III

Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco has urged residents to remain united and resilient as the municipality continues to recover from recent violent incidents that drew national and international attention.

Jaojoco acknowledged concerns over the possible impact of recent events on local business activity and investor confidence but said the local government remains focused on stability and recovery.

“Most probably in the future,” the mayor said when asked about potential effects on the town’s economic outlook, suggesting that while challenges may arise, local authorities are prepared to respond.

He stressed that community cooperation is essential in moving forward.

“We need to work hand in hand for the future of our beloved municipality,” Jaojoco said, appealing for collective effort among residents and stakeholders.

“To uplift that we Toboseños are resilient,” he added, expressing confidence that the town will overcome its difficulties.

The statement comes in the aftermath of a deadly clash in the hinterland village of Barangay Salamanca, where 19 individuals were killed in an encounter between government forces and members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Among the fatalities were two American citizens.

The incident prompted the United States Embassy in the Philippines to issue a security advisory for its citizens, identifying rural and mountainous areas in Leyte, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar as “areas of heightened concern.”

The embassy also reiterated that the NPA is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by both the United States and Philippine governments./CJ, WDJ