OVER a hundred residents of two sitios in Barangay Sinanglanan, Malaybalay City, in Bukidnon have fled their homes on Saturday due to the presence of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the areas, a military official said today.
“A total of 163 families left their homes to avoid NPA rebels’ propaganda in Bukidnon,” said 8th Infantry Battalion civil-relations chief 2Lt. Camille Bumatay.
Bumatay said NPA rebels under Guerilla Front Malayag were reportedly seen in the sitios of Purok 7 (Sta. Rita) and Purok 8 (San Roque).
“The families are forced to leave their homes towards Sitio Malapgap, all of Barangay Sinanglanan,” Bumatay said.
Bumatay also said a crisis committee was not yet formally created. However, the police, local government, Army and other peace and development partners are working together to give the assistance needed by the evacuees.
She said that the sitio leader claimed that the NPAs forced them to listen to propaganda as they discussed topics about socio-economic issues against the government and demanded to collect P5 and half a sack of rice from every household in the area.
“Gusto sa mga NPA nga kami mahimong masa pero dili mi mosugot mao nga ninghawa kami sa amoang lugar,” claimed one sitio leader.
Bumatay said the evacuees are now temporarily staying in an evacuation center in Barangay Sinanglanan, Malaybalay City.
She said Malaybalay City immediately gave relief goods as the police and Army ensured the safety of the evacuees.
“Medical mission is now being conducted by the stakeholders at the said barangay,” said Bumatay.
Meanwhile, 8IB commander Lt. Col. Edgardo Talaroc Jr, also confirmed that similar trends are now happening in other areas of Bukidnon.
“Dako akong pagdayeg ug respeto sa mga katawhan sa Sitio San Roque ug Sitio Sta. Rita sa ilang pagpangisog nga di muapil ug magpa ilad sa NPA,” said Talaroc. (Ben Balce)
