In the first three weeks of 2026, 27 NPA supporters and rebels have been neutralized. Let's see how the numbers break down.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said around 27 New People's Army (NPA) communist insurgents and their supporters have been neutralized by ongoing government operations from Jan. 1 to 22.
"Neutralized" is a military term which refers to the surrender, capture or killing of enemy troops.
Of the 27 NPA and supporters neutralized, 21 surrendered to government troops, three arrested and three killed during encounters with military units.
"A total of 36 firearms, 15 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered and five encampments were seized," the AFP said.
The military said that last year, its units have neutralized 2,018 NPA members and their supporters from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.
Of the 2,018 communist insurgents and followers neutralized, 1,798 surrendered with 93 arrested, and 127 killed in various military operations nationwide.
"A total of 1,134 firearms and 531 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered (during this period)," the AFP said. It also added that a total of 149 NPA encampments were also captured from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 of last year.
Unsurprisingly the AFP does not break down the numbers. How many were actual NPA members and how many were supporters? The difference is rather crucial in determining how many rebels are left. Leaving the numbers big and undifferentiated makes it sound as if the NPA threat is larger than it is.
Six members of the New People’s Army (NPA), all farmers, surrendered and turned over their firearms in three Samar provinces this week, the Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) reported on Tuesday.
In Northern Samar, the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (NSPMFC) facilitated the surrender on Sunday of alias "Mista," 44, a resident of Pambujan, identified as a unit militia commander. He surrendered an improvised 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition.
On the same day, the 803rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-8 led the surrender of alias "Reden," 33 and resident of Lope de Vega in Northern Samar.
Also in Northern Samar, the 2nd NSPMFC facilitated on Monday the surrender of alias "Bots," 35 and resident of Silvino Lobos, who turned over a .357 Magnum revolver and ammunition.
In Samar, the 2nd Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company led the surrender of alias “Rudy,” 55 and resident of Paranas, on Sunday. He gave up his .38-caliber revolver with a defaced serial number and formally withdrew support from the NPA.
Meanwhile, the 2nd Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company facilitated the surrender of alias "Randy," 62-year-old farmer and a resident of Giporlos town, also on Sunday.
The following day, joint police units led the surrender of alias "Tiki," 19 and a resident of Can-avid, who voluntarily turned over an improvised firearm and ammunition.
PRO-8 Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy commended the operating units for their dedication.
“These voluntary surrenders reflect the growing trust of our communities in the government’s efforts for peace and security. We remain committed to protecting the public while providing former CTG (communist terrorist group) embers the opportunity to return to a peaceful and productive life,” Capoy said in a news release.
The six are currently under police custody for proper documentation, debriefing and assessment.
They may also be enrolled under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to support their peaceful reintegration into society, according to PRO-8. Meanwhile, a former NPA member voluntarily surrendered the firearms as part of efforts to abandon armed struggle and return to peaceful civilian life, according to reports of 202nd Infantry Brigade on Tuesday.
In a news release on Tuesday, soldiers of the Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division (2ID) facilitated the recovery of firearms from the former NPA member in Antipolo City, Rizal on Jan. 26.
Recovered from the former NPA member were one M1 Carbine, ammunition, one improvised impactor shotgun and one 12-gauge slug.
In a statement, 2ID commander Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala said the surrender of firearms reflects the continuing decline of the NPA’s armed capability and the growing willingness of former members to choose peace.
“This recovery demonstrates that sustained engagement, combined with the support of communities, continues to yield positive results. Each firearm surrendered denies armed groups the means to threaten lives and helps make our communities safer,” Zagala said.
The 2ID commended the operating troops of the 202nd Infantry Brigade and continues to encourage remaining members of armed groups to lay down their arms and avail themselves of government programs aimed at reintegration and the promotion of lasting peace and security across Southern Tagalog.
At least these seven are identified as being definitely NPA members. Don't forget the last estimate of remaining rebels, given in December 2025, is 780.
The 10th Infantry Division is eyeing to make Caraga insurgency-free this year.
The Philippine Army 10th Infantry Division is targeting full insurgency-free status in Northeastern Mindanao or the Caraga region this year, with seven municipalities still awaiting administrative clearance for formal declaration.
Speaking during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Major Ruben Gadut, chief of the 10th ID Public Affairs Office, reported there are no active New People’s Army units in its area.
Gadut clarified that the official declaration of full insurgency-free status for the remaining towns depends on the completion of the required documentation by concerned local government units and their peace and order councils.
He said armed threat has been neutralized and that the delay in the declaration is purely procedural. Gadut added that while their division covers a wide operational area across several regions, the pending declaration is mainly in the northern part of its jurisdiction.
In Agusan del Sur province, the municipalities of Loreto, Bunawan, Trento, Santa Josefa, San Francisco, and Veruela, as well as one barangay in La Paz, are still awaiting official recognition as insurgency-free. In Surigao del Sur, only Lingig town has yet to be declared cleared.
Areas in the second district of North Cotabato province, parts of Sarangani province, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and all 10 municipalities in Bukidnon are insurgency free, according to Gadut.
The 10th ID reported that 92 former members of dismantled units under the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee surrendered on Jan. 27 during a mass surrender ceremony in Barangay Santo Niño in Talaingod town, Davao del Norte.
Gadut said the surrenderers were from various dismantled guerrilla fronts, Pulang Bagani Commands, and regional headquarters. He added that the 60th Infantry Battalion facilitated the activity in coordination with local government officials.
Surrenderers turned over 29 firearms. They received immediate financial assistance and food packs from LGUs to support their reintegration.
Brig. Gen. Christopher Diaz, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, presented them and described the event as the beginning of a new phase of peace and cooperation. He added that this is an embrace of peace.
Major Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said the surrender marks a significant step towards sustained development in the region. He added that progress is achieved when communities and government work together.
Luzon said the mass surrender reinforces the division’s efforts to maintain insurgency-free conditions in the Davao region and to prevent the reorganization of communist terrorist groups.
The SMRC was previously regarded as one of the strongest pillars of the communist movement due to its influence over resource-rich areas in the Davao region, including parts of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao City.
Their surrender further reduced the risk of resurgence in previously affected areas. “Now, Talaingod town is shifting toward tourism and agricultural development,” Luzon added.
It seems as of the province is already insurgency-free and only waits an official declaration which includes the burning of the communist flag, the releasing of doves, and the influx of NTF-ELCAC money for Barangay development.
In Mindanao the AFP is intensifying their efforts against insurgents after several attacks. One attack was in Basilan and wounded two soldiers.
Pursuit operations are underway against an armed attacker of two Army soldiers in Tipo-Tipo town of the province on Monday afternoon.
“This attack on our personnel is an assault on the security and stability of our communities,” Brig. Gen. Frederick Sales, the Army’s 1101st Infantry Brigade commander, said in a statement Tuesday.
“We are leveraging all available resources—from ground reconnaissance to coordination with local law enforcement and community leaders—to locate and apprehend the suspect without delay,” he added.
Police and military authorities identified the wounded victims as PFC Mark Anthony Libo-on, 23, and PFC Jomare Sadjail, both of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB).
Police investigation showed the victims were purchasing basic necessities at a community store some 200 meters away from their camp when shot around 5:28 p.m. Monday.
The Tipo-Tipo police has activated dragnet operations with neighboring police stations, while the 45IB has launched hot pursuit operations in the mountainous terrain to track down the perpetrator.
Both soldiers suffered gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Recovered at the crime scene were two empty shells from a .45 pistol.
Sales assured the public that the military and police are taking every measure to strengthen security in Tipo-Tipo and prevent similar incidents.
The other attack was in Lanao del Sur which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete vowed there would be “no let-up” in operations after four Philippine Army soldiers were killed and another wounded in an ambush Friday in Barangay Liningding, Munai, Lanao del Norte.
The soldiers were attacked by militants believed to be from the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG), the Army said.
In a statement, it condemned the assault as “heinous and cowardly” and expressed condolences to the families of the fallen troops.
“We mourn the loss of our four valiant troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding communities in Lanao del Norte,” the Army said, pledging “full and unwavering support” to their families. It added that operations would be intensified in coordination with law enforcement, local government units and partner communities “to go after the remaining DI-MG terrorists in the area.”
“There will be no let up in our operations until justice is served. No safe haven will remain for the terrorists who carried out this treacherous attack,” Nafarrete said.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-Ala told reporters the troops were conducting a community support program, a non-combat mission to assist local residents, when they were ambushed.
He described the attack as “treacherous and terrorist” in nature and said it appeared retaliatory, aimed at showing the group’s continued strength in the area and punishing communities supportive of government programs.
“Because the community is very supportive of our troops and the national government, they wanted to reclaim control, so they carried out this attack,” Dema-Ala said.
The soldiers were traveling in a private vehicle near a river crossing when the ambush occurred. Dema-Ala added that the attackers used high-powered weapons, but there was almost no firefight because the assault was sudden and targeted.
In a separate statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it launched immediate pursuit, clearing, and security operations following the ambush at around 10:20 a.m.
It confirmed that the troops were conducting non-combat activities and that medical evacuation and reinforcements were immediately dispatched to secure the area, attend to casualties and stabilize the situation.
“The wounded personnel is receiving the utmost medical attention,” the AFP said.
AFP units are intensifying actions to locate and neutralize the perpetrators. They are also working to prevent further threats to civilians and ensure the safety and stability of affected communities.
The Philippine National Police also confirmed the incident and said it is assisting the military in the ongoing pursuit of the attackers.
The AFP has also intensified operations in Maguindanao del Sur which has resulted in the death of one soldier. The operations have also caused locals to flee the area.
Military authorities have intensified their operation against the local terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) in the mountains of Maguindanao del Sur, officials said on Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said the operation was launched after civilians alerted the 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB) about the presence of DI-Hassan Group in the mountains of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town in the province.
The combat operation so far left one soldier killed and another wounded, both from 90IB. The injured trooper sustained minor wounds in the skirmishes and is now receiving medical attention.
Casualties on the side of the terrorists are yet to be determined.
About 80 families from remote sub-villages of the town have fled to safer grounds following skirmishes that erupted between military forces and the DI group on Tuesday.
Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, the 6ID commander, said the Army particularly launched decisive operations against the terror group in Sitio Bagurot, Barangay Tuayan Mother, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, due to regrouping activities.
“There will be no letup in our combat operations against the remnants of DI-Hassan Group until this faction is eradicated,” Cagara said in a statement Wednesday.
Evacuees are now at Barangay Tuayan Mother's covered court, where officials provided food and non-food items.
Who knows but some of theses families are either harboring DI men or are aware of what they are up to. That was exactly the case in Marawi just before the siege.
