Toboso: Around 400 residents displaced by the encounter between government troops and remnants of the dismantled New People’s Army Northern Negros Front (NNF) in Toboso, Negros Occidental returned home Thursday afternoon after getting clearance from the Philippine Army. The residents sought shelter in two evacuation centers for their safety during the clash in Sitio Bairan, Barangay General Luna on Tuesday morning, and the ensuing pursuit operations by government troopers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Councilor Richard Jaojoco announced in a social media post that they had received a call from the commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) confirming that the area was all clear, allowing evacuees to return home. Additionally, Mayor Madonnah Jaojoco ordered the resumption of classes on Friday in the affected villages. She stated that classes in all levels in Barangay General Luna and at Barangay Tabun-ac Elementary School would resume.

In a report on Thursday, the 79IB detailed that during the clearing operation, troopers recovered gadgets such as mobile phones, computer tablets, and a digital camera, along with two firearms, live ammunition, food supply, and personal belongings. Lt. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of 79IB, emphasized the importance of disrupting enemy plans, noting that such efforts halted their operations and diminished their logistical capacity.

The Toboso encounter marks the third skirmish between 79IB troops and NNF remnants in northern Negros since last month. Previous clashes in the hinterlands of Cadiz City led to the recovery of extortion letters addressed to sugar planters and businessmen on February 13, and the deaths of two leaders of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor on March 8.