22/08/2026
Reaching the Peripheries: The Forgotten Story of Sitio Manipolon
Beneath the tall trees and blooming wildflowers, along difficult trails and surrounded by peaceful scenery, lies a story that has almost been forgotten.
In the isolated and mountainous area of Murcia, Negros Occidental, lies Sitio Manipolon in Brgy. Pandanon Silos. Beneath its majestic view overlooking Mt. Canlandog and Mt. Kanlaon lies a buried story of the tragic Manipolon encounter that happened thirty-six years ago.
Blood was shed on April 6, 1990, during an encounter between the Philippine Army and the New People’s Army (NPA). Many lives were lost. Many were not given a proper burial. Many were not given a proper blessing.
According to stories shared by the community, after the helicopter dropped off the bodies in Murcia Plaza, there were still bodies that had not been recovered from Manipolon—souls that were still seeking the Light of Christ.
On Friday, August 21, Rev. Fr. Salvador “Badong” Barcelona, together with the youth of the Immaculate Conception Parish-Murcia, barangay officials of Amayco headed by Brgy. Captain Glenda O. Carba and the Bantay Bukid, celebrated the first-ever Eucharistic Celebration on the same ground where the tragic event happened.
Heavy rains had drenched Murcia in the days before August 21, leaving some with hesitation and doubts about continuing the journey. According to them, trekking to Manipolon would be difficult.
However, as the journey continued, the land remained dry. The clouds covered the sun but were not dark enough to bring rain—as though the weather itself was meant to help those souls reach heaven.
After five to six hours of hiking from Brgy. Amayco to Manipolon, the clouds continued to cover the sun. The area was surrounded by lush, tall, green trees.
“Gatuon kita sa hitabo, agod indi naton masulit ang indi husto nga nagakalatabo,” Fr. Badong highlighted in his homily.
A swift, cold breeze passed through the area. The skies were clear, and the sun’s rays fell directly on the improvised altar as Fr. Badong raised the Host during the consecration.
The scene was bright. Heaven brought light into the darkness. God brought hope to those souls.
“Oo bala, sir, nakatulo gid luha ko pagsugod misa ni Fr.,” one of the locals shared, describing how she felt.
The late Pope Francis, in his pastoral call to “reach the peripheries,” urged the Church to extend the Light of Christ to people in marginalized sectors of society. Perhaps those souls had been waiting for a long time for someone to pray for them, someone who would hear their prayers so they could peacefully rest.
For the Light of Christ reaches even the deepest and darkest places—even the stories that have almost been forgotten.
