BACOLOD City – The town of La Castellana in Negros Occidental commemorated the 11th anniversary of the massacre of nine individuals that took place in the town’s Barangay Puso.
Eleven years ago, on Jan. 27, 2013, eight civilians and a policeman were ambushed and killed by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, who claimed responsibility for the incident.
The ambush also wounded 12 individuals.
Fr. Ivan Cantor officiated the mass to commemorate the anniversary. It was attended by town Mayor Rhumylla Nicor-Manglilimutan, Negros Occidental 5th District Congressman Emilio Dino Yulo III, and representatives from the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police–Special Action Force.
In her statement, Mangilimutan said La Castellana remains generally peaceful amid the recent armed clashes between government forces and the NPA.
The two encounters in barangays Puso and Sag-ang were products of proactive security measures being implemented by law enforcement agencies in tandem with various stakeholders. The said clashes led to the deaths of two suspected rebels, the recovery of four high-powered firearms, and the surrender of a rebel political instructor.
Over a decade after the deadly ambush, Mangilimutan said there has been a great improvement in the town’s peace and order.
The village has also seen improvements, with Barangay Puso’s road networks now concreted.
A detachment of the Philippine Army was also established in the village. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
