Governor Renews Call for Peace After 2 NPA-AFP Clashes Killed 2 Rebels in Binalbagan

Following the death of two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during separate clashes with government troops in Binalbagan town on Friday, January 30, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson renewed his call for peace, urging rebels to lay down their arms and join authorities for a sustainable resolution to the long-running insurgency.

Gov. Lacson who leads the Regional Peace and Order Council-Negros Island Region stressed that while security operations continue to protect communities, the provincial government remains focused on finding a lasting path to stability.

“It’s an ongoing battle between the government and our rebel brothers and sisters. We understand that this situation causes fear and disruption for our people, which is why we are more determined than ever to call on them to come forward. The government stands ready to assist them so they can rebuild their lives and live in peace,” Lacson said.

The back-to-back confrontations in Barangay Bi-ao began at approximately 2:50 a.m., when soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion engaged an estimated five NPA fighters in Sitio Apitong.

The first fatality was identified as Regie Pacheco, alias Dante, a finance and logistics officer with the NPA’s Central Negros 2 Regional Strike Force, according to 94th IB commander Col. Zeigfred Tayaban.

A second clash occurred at 4 p.m. when pursuing troops caught up with escaping rebels one kilometer away.

Authorities are still verifying the identity of the second casualty and assessing whether other fighters were injured; no government personnel were harmed in either incident.

In response to the violence, Barangay Bi-ao Captain Junefel Aguillon suspended classes at all levels across six local schools and day care centers, citing widespread panic among residents.

“The safety of our learners and teachers is our top priority,” Aguillon said.

Classes remain halted at Binadlan Elementary School, Bulwang Elementary School, Nasanagan Elementary School, Biao Elementary School, Biao National High School, and all barangay-managed day care centers until further notice.

Lacson, who has made peace building a cornerstone of his leadership, stressed that the provincial government is investing in both security measures and programs to address the root causes of conflict in Negros Occidental.

“We cannot rely solely on military action to solve this problem. We are working with local governments, community leaders, and national agencies to create opportunities that will make armed struggle unnecessary. We remain hopeful that a lasting peace solution is within reach,” the governor said.

The governor also called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as investigations into the encounters continue.*