Insurgency: Relentlessly Puruse NPA Remnants

On Negros Island there are no more active NPA guerrilla fronts. There are only a few remnants. The Army is pursuing them relentlessly to make them miserable and give up. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1257472

The commander of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army has warned of a stringent crackdown against the remnants of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Island in the pursuit of peace.

Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, in an interview late Wednesday afternoon, said that while there are no longer active NPA guerrilla fronts in Negros, the remnants are still trying to survive and fight the government.

Samson said they are relentlessly putting pressure on the NPA remnants to push them to return to the fold of the law.

“We are making their lives miserable in the mountains to make them realize that fighting the government with arms is futile and useless,” he said.

Samson said they do not want to see more clashes occur between government troops and the NPA rebels and to avoid casualties “because we are fellow Filipinos.”

He, however, warned that they are ready to respond anytime if the NPA remnants persist in their armed struggle against the government.

The 3ID covers Western and Central Visayas and the Negros Island regions.

Meanwhile, Samson said there would be no immediate pullout of troops from areas cleared of the insurgency, even as the military is transitioning to providing external security.

The military will only totally pull out from an area when the Philippine National Police is ready to take over the role in internal security, he added.

Samson presided over the change of command of the 302nd Infantry Brigade in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental from outgoing commander Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas to Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan.

It's interesting that they say "there would be no immediate pullout of troops from areas cleared of the insurgency." It's almsot like the insurgency is still a threat. Of course their explanation is they "will only totally pull out from an area when the Philippine National Police is ready to take over the role in internal security." What does that say about the PNP except they are incompetent?

The success of these operations against the NPA in Northern Samar are due to the cooperation of locals.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1257578

The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday thanked villagers in Northern Samar for providing information that led to the recent neutralization of two members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the PA’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID), emphasized the role of community support in the success of the operation in Northern Samar, considered the last bastion of insurgency in Eastern Visayas.

"This successful operation against the remnants of the EVRPC (Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee) following the two successive encounters in Northern Samar is a testament to the unwavering commitment and unyielding dedication of the 8ID and the vital cooperation of the people of Northern Samar," Orio said in a statement.

"The neutralization of these rebels brings us closer to our goal of ending local communist armed conflict in the region."

Orio was referring to the two NPA combatants who were killed in a brief but intense armed encounter in the upland San Jose village in Mapanas, Northern Samar, on Aug. 27.

Soldiers seized from the clash site two M16 rifles, hundreds of M14 ammunition, five long magazines, and other war materiel.

The military is currently conducting cross-investigation to determine the true identities of the two slain rebels.

One of them was initially identified as Motaw Ortazo, alias “Ibaro,” of Magsaysay village in Mapanas, Northern Samar, while the identity of the other rebel is still being confirmed by the authorities.

The encounter transpired during a focused military operation in response to reports from concerned residents about the presence of armed individuals conducting extortion activities in the upland communities of Mapanas town.

Brig. Gen. Carmelito Pangatungan, commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, said the sustained deep partnership of the military and the local communities paved the way for the successful operation and, in return, would help foil the resurgence of the NPA in the communities.

“We call upon all the people of Northern Samar to unite with us in preserving peace and promoting development. Together, we will end local armed conflict and build a brighter, safer future for the people of Northern Samar,” Pangatungan said.

Lt. Col. Francis Rosales, commander of the Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion, hailed his troops’ determination and attributed the operational success to the cooperation of the residents.

“This series of victories proves that the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee is on its last breath in Northern Samar. The recent encounter has yielded another major downfall to their already crumbling organization. I assure the people of our sustained operational momentum, as we will strike without pause until our communities are completely free from their influence,” Rosales said in a separate statement.

This operational success adds to the series of serious defeats dealt upon the EVRPC in less than a month following the decisive blow in San Isidro village, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on July 31, 2025, where eight rebels were killed and 10 high-powered firearms were seized.

Meanwhile all throughout the nation the Army and the NPA continue to clash. In Iloilo one soldier was killed and one was injured in a clash. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1257322

A series of encounters between government forces and remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Tapaz, Capiz, on Monday left one member of the Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) dead and another injured.

A statement released by the 3ID on Tuesday said Sergeant Jhon Ray Coopera was killed in action after sustaining a fatal gunshot wound on his lower abdomen during the second encounter at Barangay Agpalali around 10:28 a.m.

Meanwhile, another sergeant who was wounded in action is now in stable condition in a hospital.

The first encounter happened around 7:45 a.m. in the same barangay against around 10 remnants of the dismantled Central Front and Regional Sentro de Grabidad, Komiteng Rehiyon–Panay (KR-P) of the New People’s Army.

Government troops were on pursuit operations following a series of clashes in the tri-boundary of Barangays Agpalali, Artuz, and Tabon in Tapaz on Aug. 22.

3ID commander, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, assured full support to the families of Coopera and the wounded soldier.

"We will provide all necessary assistance to Sergeant Coopera’s family and ensure that our wounded soldier receives the best possible care and support during his recovery. We will honor their sacrifices not only with words but also with concrete actions," Samson said as he expressed his profound respect for the courage and dedication of the slain soldier.

He added Coopera’s death will strengthen their unwavering resolve to totally eliminate the remaining CTG remnants and end their terroristic acts.

“The fight for peace continues, and we will carry Sergeant Coopera's legacy forward with steadfast determination," he said.

Meanwhile, on Aug. 22, government troops recovered five high-powered firearms, including two M14 assault rifles, an M16 assault rifle, one AK-47 assault rifle, and one Garand rifle in Barangay Agpalali.

The Army says these deaths "will strengthen their unwavering resolve to totally eliminate the remaining CTG remnants and end their terroristic acts." It just goes to show that the rebels remain a deadly threat no matter how much they are being downplayed as being irrelevant and practically non-existent. 

Two rebels were killed in Northern Samar after a clash. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1257485

Two combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a brief and intense armed encounter in the upland San Jose village in Mapanas, Northern Samar, on Wednesday.

The Philippine Army reported Thursday that soldiers seized from the clash site two M16 rifles, hundreds of M14 ammunition, five long magazines, and other war materiel.

“During the firefight, government troops outmaneuvered the enemy, leaving two dead rebels behind and forcing the rest of the group to flee in disarray,” the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division said in a statement.

The government side did not sustain any injuries, while the military has yet to release the identify the slain rebels.

Initial information from the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade revealed that government troops had a clash with a group of 10 rebels around 4:27 p.m. on Wednesday.

The encounter transpired during a focused military operation in response to reports from concerned residents about the presence of armed individuals conducting extortion activities in the upland communities of Mapanas, according to the military report.

Northern Samar is known as a hotbed of NPA in Eastern Visayas due to its thick forests and poor road networks, making it a strategic location for the rebel group's activities.

Northern Samar remains an NPA hotbed which is why since the end of July 14 rebels have been neutralized in the region. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/08/29/14-npa-rebels-neutralized-15-guns-seized-in-northern-samar

The 8th Infantry Division neutralized 14 New People's Army rebels and seized 15 firearms in Northern Samar.

Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th ID, said these operational achievements form part of their continuing campaign to end the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, foil the resurgence of their influence in Eastern Visayas, and ensure a new era of lasting peace.

On July 31, government forces conducted two operations in Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas town targeting the regional headquarters of the EVRPC.

These clashes resulted in the deaths of eight NPA members, including four high-value individuals.

One person surrendered and 10 high-powered firearms were seized, significantly weakening the EVRPC's operational capabilities.

On Aug. 24, three NPAs surrendered to the 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion. They handed over a .45 caliber pistol and a 9mm pistol.

They said their decision was influenced by the hardships they faced and the loss of mass support for their armed struggle.

Orio said that their surrender is a significant win for peace and reflects the increasing trust the public has in the Philippine Army.

On Aug. 27, the 78th IB engaged 10 members of the Squad 2, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU) Laysan in Barangay San Jose, Mapanas town.

The hour-long firefight resulted in the deaths of two communist rebels and the seizure of two M16 rifles and other equipment.

The fatalities were identified as Motaw Ortazo, alias "Ibaro," from Barangay Magsaysay, and Edwin Verano, alias "Sammy," a resident of Barangay Senonogan.

The 8th ID, in accordance with human rights and International Humanitarian Law, ensured a dignified burial for the casualties and coordinated with the local government unit of Mapanas to assist their families.

"Even as we pursue justice for the countless victims of the insurgents' atrocities, we remain steadfast in upholding human dignity. By facilitating a proper burial, we hope this also serves as a message to their comrades that there is still a chance to return to their families, abandon the armed struggle, and live peacefully," Orio added.

In Misamis Occidental the Army uncovered an NPA arms cache. 

 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1257242

Government forces have recovered an arms cache of the communist New People's Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of Misamis Occidental, the military said Monday.

In a statement, the Army's 1st Infantry Division (1ID) said troops from the 10th Infantry Battalion dug up the hidden firearms around 1 p.m. Sunday in Tudela, Misamis Occidental.

The arms cache included two AK-47 rifles, two CZ rifles, one M16 rifle, and six AK-47 firearm clips.

The 1ID said the arms cache belongs to the remnants of the NPA's Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee operating in the province.

"With this recovery, these weapons will never again be used to harm our communities or support other NPA groups in Mindanao," the 1ID said, adding that former NPA rebels who surrendered provided information on the whereabouts of the firearms.

The arms cache was recovered a day after a communist rebel was killed in a clash with government troops in Barangay Bandara Ingod, Amai Manabilang, Lanao del Sur.

An M16 rifle was found beside the body of the slain rebel belonging to the NPA Platun Uno, Sub-Regional Committee-5.

The discovery of NPA arms caches is a regular occurrence. There will be more. 

In Bukidnon a top leader surrendered. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/08/28/top-npa-leader-in-bukidnon-surrenders

The top New People’s Army (NPA) leader in Bukidnon province voluntarily surrendered to the police and vowed to help the government’s peace and development program.

The NPA leader, listed under the Periodic Status Report (PSR) of the Police Regional Office-10, turned himself in San Fernando town, Bukidnon on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

“He also voluntarily surrendered his high-powered firearm and live ammunition, home-made caliber 5.56 revolver pistol and four live ammunition,” PRO 10-Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) chief Police Major Joan G. Navarro said.

The 33-year-old surrenderer was a noted leader of Squad Uno, Platoon Dos of Guerilla Front Malayag of the CPP-NPA North-Central Mindanao Regional Committee, Navarro added.

The NPA leader is under the custody of the 1003rd Maneuver Company for custodial debriefing and profiling.

PRO-10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Rolindo M. Suguilon cited the surrender.

“This only shows that our intensified peace and security efforts are working,” he said. “It also reflects the growing trust of rebels in the government’s sincerity to provide them with a chance to start anew. We continue to call on the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to lay down their arms and embrace the opportunity to live peacefully with their families.”

The surrendering of top leadership is also a frequent occurrence exposing the lie that the NPA is leaderless.