STO TOMAS City -- Balayan, Batangas, is gradually returning to normalcy following a bloody encounter between the military and rebel forces recently in the seaside first-class municipality.
The town is rich in natural resources of sugar cane, coconuts, corn, fish and other marine products.
Residents, who had evacuated during the early Sunday morning incident, are awaiting government approval to return home.
Municipal administrator Gonzalo Baral revealed that the evacuees are currently under the care of the local government unit, with plans in place to offer counseling to those traumatized by the unexpected conflict.
The clash occurred in Barangay Malalay, an agricultural community on the outskirts of the town, around 2 a.m., resulting in the deaths of at least six New People's Army (NPA) rebels and one soldier.
Baral reported that life in the town proper was generally peaceful on Monday, thanks to the continued presence of Army and police forces, some of whom have established checkpoints, providing residents with an increased sense of security.
Despite the bloody armed encounter, Balayan's municipal leadership remains focused on normal activities, emphasizing that the town, declared insurgency-free in 2021, has experienced economic growth and is on track for cityhood.
Balayan's Municipal Social Welfare and Development proceeded with the distribution of Christmas assistance to qualified beneficiaries on Monday.
Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, the commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, expressed determination in a statement, affirming that the encounter will not hinder their commitment to ensuring the safety of communities, especially during the holiday season.
Pursuit operations are ongoing for the fleeing NPA rebels, and government troops have recovered weapons and subversive documents from the encounter site.
In response to the situation, the Philippine Coast Guard's Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog (CGDSTL) has heightened security at ports and key coastal areas in the region.
This move is part of the Department of Transportation's activation of Oplan Ligtas Biyahe: Pasko 2023.
The CGDSTL aims to enhance vigilance, implement stringent security protocols, and intensify maritime patrol operations in the aftermath of the Balayan encounter.
#OpinYonBatangas #NPA #Military #OpinYon #WeTakeAStand