Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson came to the defense of the Philippine Army on Friday, May 8, stating that its encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Toboso that left 19 dead was a legitimate operation.
Lacson, who chairs the Negros Island Region Peace and Order Council, said “we believe it was a legitimate encounter.”
“We should realize that the Army could not have done that without information from the community. So, clearly, the community helped guide the Philippine Army to run after their target. We do not question the Philippine Army,” Lacson said.
He added that the public should appreciate the men and women of the Philippine Army who are out there every day “sacrificing their lives for us to be free and to live peacefully.”
On calls for the resumption of peace talks, Lacson said the rebels should lay down their arms first “because there is only one army, and that is the Philippine Army.”
“Even if you want to talk peace, do the first thing: lay down your arms,” he said.
Lacson further noted that he does not see a need for additional investigations into the Toboso incident—including by Congress—since there is already an ongoing probe being conducted by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
“If you ask me, I will not call for an investigation because I trust that the Philippine Army’s encounter with the NPAs was legitimate,” Lacson said. NEGROS ACE “We recognize the duty and mandate of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to uphold peace and security, and its right to defend the Filipino people against threats posed by insurgency and armed violence,” the Negros Association of Chief Executives (Negros ACE), composed of the mayors of Negros Occidental, also said in a statement on Friday.
The mayors said they remain steadfast in their support of the rule of law, the protection of Filipino communities, and the continued efforts of the AFP to preserve peace and stability.
“The safety and protection of our citizens remain our paramount concern,” Negros ACE said.
The association acknowledged the broader social implications of the armed encounter in Toboso on April 19, which resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals believed to be NPA members.
Negros-ACE urged the NPA and its cadres to abandon the path of armed struggle.
“The loss of life is too high a price to pay for peace and social equality in our country,” the group stated.
“Instead, we call on all involved to pursue constructive means to address grievances and to work with the Philippine government to answer long-standing issues of social injustice, inequality, and marginalization through democracy and participatory governance.”
The mayors recognized that social injustice and inequality remain legitimate concerns that must be addressed with genuine intention.
“These challenges require urgent and sustained action, and the government remains equipped and committed to respond through lawful, inclusive, and democratic processes, provided that all sectors are willing to engage in good faith,” the statement added.
“In this difficult time, we call on all communities to choose healing over retaliation, unity over division, and compassion over violence,” Negros-ACE said.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to all families affected by this incident and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and stability in our region,” it said.*
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