The number of evacuees following an encounter between the 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers and New People’s Army rebels in Toboso, Negros Occidental, increased to 412 on Wednesday, March 19, Councilor Richard Jaojoco said.
Residents began evacuating on Tuesday following an encounter that left three 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers injured in Sitio Bairan, Brgy General Luna in Toboso, Negros Occidental.
Classes at all levels in Barangay General Luna and Tabun-ac Elementary School in Barangay Tabun-ac, Toboso, will remain suspended on Thursday to ensure the safety of learners and school personnel from the on-going armed encounter, Mayor Madonnah Jaojoco said.
The Army seized a M-16 assault rifle, .38 caliber revolver, assorted ammunition and subversive documents with high intelligence value from the scene of the encounter with remnants of the dismantled NPA Northern Negros Front, Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said.
Two rebels may have been injured in the encounter and left the firearms behind during their escape, he said.
Three 79th IB soldiers who sustained minor injuries during the clash are now in stable condition, Lamzon also said.*