Insurgency: Terror Grooming

Another NPA network is finished. This  time it's in Caraga in Mindanao.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2230347/ph-army-npa-network-in-caraga-collapses

The Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade said the remaining structure of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) in Caraga has collapsed following the surrender of four New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas and the recovery of firearms in operations this week.

In a statement on Sunday, May 17, the 401st Brigade said Eusebio “Silvio” Gultiano Peru, also known by the aliases “Lee,” “Pitong,” “Tarzan,” and “Carpo,” surrendered to government forces on Saturday.

The military identified Peru as a listed NPA member and security officer of the Regional Operations Command of the NEMRC.

The surrender, according to the brigade, resulted from joint efforts by the 75th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, Surigao del Sur Provincial Intelligence Unit, and the Marihatag Municipal Police Station.

Following his surrender, Peru reportedly disclosed the location of a concealed firearm in Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Troops later recovered an R4 rifle, one magazine, and six rounds of ammunition.

The Army said Peru was also involved in an armed encounter on May 11 in Sitio Casting, Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, before voluntarily surrendering to authorities.

A day earlier, on May 15, joint security operations also led to the surrender of two other NPA members: Lovilito Lamela, alias “Bero” or “Hapon,” identified as a squad leader of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad, and Gina Sawan, alias “LG,” who allegedly served as a medical officer or medic.

Their surrender led to the turnover of an AK-47 rifle, one rifle grenade, one scope, and three AK-47 magazines.

Meanwhile, the 29th Infantry Battalion also facilitated the surrender of Cheryl Tremidal Neniel, alias “Melon,” “Cry-Cry,” or “Archie,” a member of Squad 2, SRSDG WL, under the same regional committee. Neniel surrendered at the headquarters of the 29th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the successive surrenders signaled the collapse of the NPA’s remaining regional structure in Caraga.

“These successive surrenders clearly indicate the final and eventual collapse of the NPA structure in Caraga,” Aynera said.

“Through intensified security operations, strengthened collaboration, and the government’s reintegration programs, these remaining members realized that returning to the folds of the law is the better path toward peace and a productive future,” Aynera added.

Aynera said the government would assist the former rebels through available reintegration programs.

Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao, commander of Joint Task Force Diamond, commended the 401st Brigade and its partner units for the operations that led to the surrender of the four NPA guerrillas.

“The surrender of these NPA members, along with the recovery of their firearms, further demonstrates the irreversible decline of the NEMRC,” Angcao said.

He also urged remaining NPA members to surrender and avail themselves of government reintegration programs.

“These developments reflect the growing realization among remaining NPA members that armed struggle no longer serves their cause,” Angcao said.

“We strongly encourage those still in the movement to surrender, avail themselves of government reintegration programs, and become active partners in peace and development,” he added.

The 401st Infantry Brigade said it would continue security operations while supporting reconciliation, reintegration, and development efforts in conflict-affected communities in Caraga and Eastern Mindanao.

This is the result of a series of successive surrenders and operations. The AFP  says these rebels now realize "armed struggle no longer serves their cause."  The same cannot be said for other rebels who continue to fight.  In Negros Occidental 5 NPA rebels died during a battle. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/17/2-npa-leaders-among-5-fatalities-in-negros-occidental-gun-battle

Two high-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) were among the five fatalities in the series of encounters with the Army 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Abaca and Poblacion, Cauayan, Negros Occidental on Saturday, May 16.

Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, commander of 302nd Infantry Brigade (IBde), identified the slain rebels as Rolando Dantes, Jobert Casipong, Gilbert Tingson, Alex Languita, and Vince Francis Dingding.

Jumawan said that Dantes was an alleged notorious hitman and commander of the dismantled South West Front (SWF-D) reportedly responsible for the liquidation of civilians in Cauayan, Kabankalan City, and Sipalay City in Negros Occidental.

He added that Dantes, based on police records, had multiple arrest warrants for murder and multiple murder.

Jumawan said that Dantes was behind the killing of a barangay official in Cauayan and an elderly woman in Kabankalan City last year.

He said that Dingding was an alleged political instructor of the group.

Jumawan said the bodies of the slain rebels have yet to be claimed by their families.

Aside from the five fatalities, Jumawan said that another rebel was severely wounded and recuperating in a hospital. Jumawan said he identified some of the fatalities.

Jumawan said the wounded rebel was administered first aid by troops and transported to a hospital.

The encounter occurred in Barangay Poblacion, Cauayan at 5 p.m. while troopers were pursuing remnants of the SWF from the initial firefight that transpired at 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Abaca.

Jumawan said the late afternoon firefight lasted for about 30 minutes and despite being told to surrender, the communist rebels allegedly continued firing at soldiers.

“It is unfortunate that fellow Filipinos have died, but our mission is to protect the communities from the threat,” he added.

Jumawan said the incident showed the dwindling support of the people to the NPA since they reported their presence in the area. “They are tired to be scared,” he added.

He said the incident will weaken the group and urged remaining communist rebels to surrender.

“It’s okay to protest, to make their issues known, but don’t carry firearms and use it against the government and the people. Mali po iyon (that is wrong),” Jumawan said.

Meanwhile, the series of clashes displaced 64 families or 168 individuals in Barangays Abaca and Poblacion.

Jumawan said the local government has extended assistance to affected families who underwent stress debriefing and awareness campaign.

He said that some families returned home on Sunday, May 17, after these areas were cleared by authorities.

They continued to fire despite being urged to surrender. That means at least some rebels still believe in the cause. Or maybe they just didn't want to be caught. 2 of the dead were top leaders and one was a former student. The NTF-ELCAC calls this a case of "terror grooming."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275257

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday called the death of former student leader, Vince Francis Dingding, one of the five reported New People's Army (NPA) members killed in the May 16 clash in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, a case of terror grooming.

"His death is another painful reminder of the continuing tragedy caused by the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) terror-grooming pipeline —a process that preys on the idealism of young Filipinos and draws them from advocacy spaces into underground networks and, eventually, armed struggle," the body said in a statement.

In the Cauayan encounter, the NTF-ELCAC said government forces engaged heavily-armed NPA remnants, resulting in the deaths of Dinging and four others, including two alleged NPA leaders.

Once active in student leadership circles and associated with the University of the Philippines-Cebu community, Dingding reportedly served in political and organizational functions within the terrorist movement’s Southeast Front structures in Negros. Reports also indicate that he had links to individuals previously associated with alleged NPA activities in Negros.

"No Filipino death should ever be celebrated as a victory –least of all the death of a young, educated, and promising individual. Behind every casualty is not just a name in a report, but a son, a friend, a classmate, and a human life that once held immense possibility," the NTF-ELCAC said.

"The broader pattern cannot be ignored: too many bright, principled, and talented young Filipinos have passed through environments where activism, ideological conditioning, underground recruitment, and armed struggle dangerously intersect," it said.

The NTF-ELCAC said families, schools, universities, communities, and institutions must work together to recognize early warning signs, protect the youth, and ensure that legitimate social concern is never exploited as a pathway to violence.

"Vince Francis Dingding must not become just another casualty statistic. His story should stand as a painful national reminder: every wasted youth is a loss to the Filipino people, and peace, opportunity, vigilance, and prevention remain our best defense against the cycle of deception, violence, and death," the task force added.

"No Filipino death should ever be celebrated as a victory" and yet they are victories. This rebellion should have been over decades ago. Communist rebellions are so 20th century. 

The Army says they are focusing on operation sin Negros to prevent the NPA from regrouping. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275287

The Philippine Army will continue to pursue remaining communist insurgents in Negros Occidental to prevent the New People's Army (NPA) from regrouping after suffering major setbacks in less than a month.

In a clash with troops of the 15th Infantry Battalion in Cauayan on May 16, the NPA lost five more members, following the death of their 19 comrades during the Toboso encounter on April 19.

In a press briefing on Monday afternoon, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, said the Philippine Army launches intensified operations in Negros to address the summary executions perpetrated by the NPA over the past year.

“We have to address that, that’s why we have to intensify our operations in Negros,” he added.

According to the 302nd Infantry Brigade, the remnants of the dismantled Southwest Front, who were neutralized during the clash in Cauayan, were behind the killings of at least 26 innocent individuals in southern Negros.

Samson said the troops will “sustain intensified focused military operations to prevent the fleeing communist-terrorists from regrouping and thwart any attempt to sow fear and disrupt the lives” of Negrenses.

“The operation in Cauayan demonstrates the unwavering commitment of our troops, in partnership with the local communities, to protect the people from the threats and atrocities perpetrated by these armed groups,” he added.

The five fatalities were identified as Rolando Dantes Jr., 37, commanding officer of Southwest Front, as well as members Jobert Casipong and Gilbert Tingson, who are all residents of the neighboring Sipalay City.

Another member Alex Chavez, was listed as a resident of Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, while Francis Vince Dingding, political instructor of Southeast Front, is from Cebu City.

Well, these operations are to "from regrouping after suffering major setbacks in less than a month." Are these setbacks victories? If so that would make the death of those 5 Filipinos a victory. 

Of course the operations in Negros were part of the Army's whole-of-nation approach.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275308

The whole-of-nation approach has played a significant role in the successful anti-insurgency campaign, according to the top official of Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Spearhead Division (3ID).

“The approach enabled partnerships with local government units, national government agencies and even the private sector, which provided a venue in addressing a lot of social issues,” 3ID commander Maj. Gen. Michael Samson said in a media forum on Monday.

The provincial government of Iloilo has been extending assistance in cash and livelihood to rebel returnees under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which encouraged more rebels to give up the armed movement.

Samson said 442 former rebels have applied for the government’s amnesty program.

“We have gained a lot. I think there’s a lot of difference in the insurgency situation before and now,” he said.

Samson said the anti-insurgency campaign in Western Visayas is “very successful”, and they are estimating less than 10 members of the New People's Army (NPA) who are on a survival mode.

“They were last seen in Tapaz area. I was describing Tapaz, Capiz as their last stand and we are making sure that there will be no spillover in other areas,” he added.

Samson said they have been checking and so far, they have not monitored sightings or movements of the communist terrorist group, otherwise they will run after them.

“I just would like to clarify that even if we have a lot of encounters and neutralized leaders as well as members of the New People’s Army, we take no pleasure in these encounters where lives are lost or wounded. But it is our job to ensure that our communities are safe and not intimidated by this armed group,” he said.

Samson also encouraged the community to report to the Army if they have information regarding the presence of the NPA.

He further said while there are no reports of their presence as of now, there is a tendency for them to recover when neglected given the nature of the revolutionary movement.

What whole-of-nation really means is good governance as counterinsurgency measures and giving former rebels loads of free money an, housing, and job training. 

The NTF-ELCAC claims the reds are aware of their dwindling forces. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275570

Even the remaining communist insurgents are well aware of their dwindling offensive capabilities, as well as their capacity to influence communities, a ranking National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said on Thursday.

"We have to understand that the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front) has recognized na (that their capabilities are already) dwindling, in terms of manpower, influenced barangays, and number of firearms," NTF-ELCAC Executive Director, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., said in a media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

The decrease in the communist insurgents’ capabilities has been attributed to the government's focused military and civic operations, which include livelihood and integration assistance for those interested in surrendering.

"It has been consistently dwindling ever since. And the latest report was that they only have 800 NPAs, a little over 800 all over the country, down to (their peak of) about 25,000 in the late 80s," Torres said.

Proof of these dwindling capabilities, he said, was the CPP's "3rd Rectification Movement" on Dec. 26, 2023. "Meaning, it's an acknowledgement that they need to rectify, politically, militarily, and all the other mechanisms (of their movement)."

He noted that at its peak, the CPP-NPA-NDF had influenced more than 9,500 barangays, or about "20 percent of the total barangays all over the country.”

"And it was painstakingly cleared by our security forces, foremost, with the support of local chief executives and other agencies," he said.

In response, the NTF-ELCAC official said that the government has come up with an integrated territorial defense system and a barangay intelligence net.

"So, when these two things are functioning in a barangay to ward off any threat group, not only insurgents, but also addicts, criminals, the presence of these groups can be relayed immediately to the security sector, so that interactions are faster. So multiply that 9,000 times. So that is our way in preserving and sustaining our peace gains," Torres said.

Efforts are also being made to capacitate local government officials in delivering basic services to their barangays.

"(The armed encounters are) a manifestation, an indication that our integrated territorial defense systems are working in response to their rectification campaign. We need to frustrate them in their recovery efforts," Torres said.

That is a huge assumption seeing as the NPA is able to recruit foreigners and they remain fervently devoted to the cause. The recent firefights show that fact. 

So-called militant political groups have been tied to the NPA and have denied it but their members keep dying in clashes with the Army. The Army wants to know why.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275324

The Philippine Army (PA) on Tuesday asked militant groups why a number of their members have ended up caught in between the government's armed encounters with communist rebels.

In a statement, PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said responsibility for the "tragic loss of young lives falls squarely on the Kabataan Party-List [and militant group] Anakbayan, and their allied front organizations that radicalize the youth and lead them into armed struggle."

"We challenge these groups to answer one critical question they have been evading for so long: 'Why do your members consistently end up in combat zones, wielding firearms against government forces?” he asked, in the wake of the recent deadly clashes in Toboso and Cauayan towns in Negros Occidental.

Killed in the April 19 Toboso clash were 19 NPA rebels, many of whom were young individuals, while the May 16 encounter in Cauayan left five persons dead, including former student leader Vince Francis Dingding, reportedly a member of Kabataan Party-list's Cebu chapter.

"We emphasize that beyond the body count lies a greater tragedy: the [communist terrorist groups' or CTGs'] terror-grooming scheme robs the deceived students of the chance to abandon the armed struggle and build peaceful, productive lives," the PA spokesperson said.

Dema-ala also branded the recent "National Fact-Finding and Solidarity Mission" by Anakbayan as part of "cheap worn-out propaganda" traced to CTGs like the New People's Army (NPA) to cover up their defeat.

For its part, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said in a separate statement on Tuesday that Dingding's parents, Romulo and Rica, in a handwritten letter dated May 18 formally appealed to the public to course all matters relating to their son's death through their barangay captain to spare the family from further distress, especially since Rica is currently sick.

The NTF-ELCAC also said the family's letter contained a postscript that read: "P.S. We decided that we will no longer claim his remains in Negros Occidental."

"It is a painful story of a son lost to a movement that gradually pulled him away from home, from family, and from the people who loved him most. Beyond reports, operational accounts, and organizational affiliations lies a far more devastating reality: a family now carrying unimaginable grief," the NTF-ELCAC said.

"The [CTG] often speaks of struggle, sacrifice, and revolution. But the question that must be asked is this: sacrifice for whom? Revolution at whose expense? Because in the end, it is ordinary Filipino families that pay the highest price," it added.

Dema-ala, meanwhile, noted the neutralization of Rolando Dantes, the notorious Southern Negros counterpart to NPA hitman Roger Fabillar, for bringing justice to the victims of insurgent atrocities in Negros.

Dantes, who has long evaded multiple arrest warrants for murder, was the key suspect in the slay of a barangay official in Cauayan, a 74-year-old woman in Kabankalan City, and 50 other victims last year.

"The timely information provided by the community was pivotal in the success of our security operations against the CTG remnants. We assure the Filipino people that the PA is firmly committed to securing the people of Negros. We assure the victims of CTG atrocities that they will receive justice they rightfully deserve," Dema-ala said.

They probably won't answer but it would be interesting to hear it!