By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has rejected the need for dialogue with armed groups following the April 19 Toboso encounter, insisting that the government’s security operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) were legitimate.
Lacson stood firm on his position that there is no need for talks with insurgents at this time, stressing instead the importance of law enforcement operations and continued military action against armed threats.
He maintained that the operation, which resulted in 19 fatalities, was intelligence-driven and supported by community information.
“We should realize that the Army could not have done that without information from the community,” Lacson said, expressing full confidence in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The governor also said he sees no need for a congressional investigation, noting that the Commission on Human Rights is already looking into the incident.
He reiterated his trust in the military, saying the encounter with the NPA was legitimate, and that armed rebels should surrender if they seek peace.
“Even if you want to talk peace, lay down your arms,” he said.
The Philippine Army said all 19 fatalities were suspected NPA members, including reported commander Roger Fabillar, alias “Jhong Tapang.”
However, human rights group Karapatan has disputed the military’s account, alleging that some of those killed may have been civilians, including a journalist, student activists and local residents.
Talks still needed
Amid the conflicting reports, the Negros Association of Chief Executives (ACE) has taken a contrasting position, calling for dialogue, transparency and a thorough investigation into the incident.
In its statement, Negros ACE expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and emphasized that peace can only be achieved through constructive engagement rather than continued violence.
“The loss of life is too high a price to pay for peace and social equality in our country,” the group said.
Negros ACE reaffirmed its support for the rule of law and the efforts of the AFP but stressed the importance of ensuring accountability and clarity through proper investigative mechanisms.
The group also urged the NPA to abandon armed struggle and instead participate in democratic processes and peaceful dialogue with government institutions.
“In this difficult time, we call on all communities to choose healing over retaliation, unity over division, and compassion over violence,” Negros ACE said.
As investigations proceed, the contrasting positions of provincial leadership and local executives highlight ongoing tensions over how to address insurgency-related violence in Negros Occidental, with one side emphasizing security operations and the other calling for dialogue and deeper inquiry./CJ, WDJ