Insurgency: 11 Leyte Towns Insurgency-Free

The AFP has released another update on the insurgency. So far this year 660 NPA rebels and allies have been neutralized.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1276440

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has neutralized a total of 660 New People's Army (NPA) rebels and their supporters from Jan. 1 to May 28 this year.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, in an interview on Tuesday afternoon, said the figure includes 574 who surrendered, 31 who were arrested, and 55 who were killed in various military operations nationwide.

In military terminology, "neutralized" refers to enemy combatants who have surrendered, been captured, or were killed during operations.

For the same period, Padilla said government forces also recovered 461 firearms, 114 anti-personnel mines, and dismantled 30 NPA encampments.

"More than the neutralized rebels and seized weapons, what is more important is the number of former rebels who choose to return to society," she said.

Padilla emphasized that every rebel who surrenders represents an opportunity for a family to be reunited and for a former combatant to build a better future.

For the entire year of 2025, the AFP reported neutralizing 2,018 NPA rebels and supporters nationwide. Of the total, 1,798 surrendered, 93 were arrested, and 127 were killed in military operations.

The AFP also said 1,134 firearms and 531 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered, and 149 NPA encampments were captured last year.

A few weeks ago the AFP claimed 625 rebels and supporters were neutralized between January 1st and May 7th. They didn't break those numbers down then and they haven't done so now. How many actual rebels have ben neutralized? Don't forget the last official estimate of NPA rebels was 780. This new number 660 suggests there are only 120 rebels left! 

The Army also claims the NPA has been dismantled in Northern Mindanao and Caraga.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2238988/new-army-division-chief-npa-dismantled-in-northern-mindanao-caraga

The newly appointed commander of the 4th Infantry Division here declared Tuesday that the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions have been “dismantled,” with virtually a “handful” of combatants in the field.

In an interview on Tuesday evening, Major Gen. Marion Angcao said the killing of Edilberto Daval, alias “Bong Waco,” in Surigao del Sur on May 11 paved the way for a string of surrenders of communist guerrillas in the Caraga Region.

In Northern Mindanao, Angcao said the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) now has “only one guerilla front with 19 fighters.”

“With the death of Bong Waco, many of his followers have surrendered. The reality on the ground is that they’re dismantled,” Angcao told the Inquirer in mixed English and Filipino.

Asked whether they will pursue Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro’s advocacy of a “localized peace engagement,” Angcao replied that they have always pushed for this.”

Angcao said they will sustain Teodoro’s campaign in collaboration with the local government units, noting that a stable peace and order condition is needed to attract investors.

“With the death of Bong Waco, many of his followers have surrendered. The reality on the ground is that they’re dismantled." While that might be colloquially true that does not mean they have been dismantled. The Army needs more concrete proof than that. 

In Leyte 11 towns have been declared insurgency-free.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1276242

More communities in central Leyte are more peaceful and secure following the declaration of 11 towns under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), the Philippine Army said on Monday.

The declaration, according to the Army's 8th Infantry Division (8ID), signifies the dismantling of insurgency influence in the area and highlights the collaborative efforts of local government units, national government agencies, security forces, peace advocates, and local communities in maintaining peace and order.

The ceremonial declaration was held on May 29 at the municipal gymnasium in Tabon-Tabon, Leyte, recognizing the municipalities of Tabon-Tabon, MacArthur, Dagami, Barugo, Pastrana, Tunga, Capoocan, La Paz, Dulag, Mayorga, and Julita for achieving stable peace and security conditions.

"The developments were not solely the result of security operations but also of the collective efforts of government agencies, local leaders, and citizens who chose to stand for peace," the Philippine Army stated.

The 8ID described the SIPSC declaration as a historic recognition that the communities are now enjoying stable peace, security, and unity, serving as a foundation for continuous development. The division assured the public that government troops will remain committed to supporting peace-building initiatives and preserving the gains achieved.

Local chief executives of the 11 municipalities pledged to sustain the peace gains by strengthening programs focused on good governance, youth empowerment, development initiatives, and active community participation.

Representing Leyte Governor Jericho Petilla, Board Member Mildred Joy Que commended the security sector in attaining peace and stability across the district.

"The peace we celebrate today did not happen by accident; it was built because all these men and women in uniform were vigilant. They were courageous and willing to serve even if no one was watching," Que said during the ceremony.

She added that sustaining peace and unity remains the best tribute that communities can give to uniformed personnel who continue to protect the public.

The SIPSC declaration is expected to pave the way for long-term stability, stronger local governance, and socio-economic growth in Leyte's 2nd legislative district as communities formerly affected by insurgency move toward a more peaceful and progressive future.

They don't say what this declaration is based upon. In the past we have seen a declaration of insurgency-free means rebels have not been seen for a while. It could be true but, as in the past, the AFP is always on the lookout to prevent a resurgence. 

The AFP says defeating the insurgency is based upon "the collective efforts of government agencies, local leaders, and citizens who chose to stand for peace." In that spirit the Army has thanked a whole community for uncovering a rebel cache. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/733898/army-lauds-community-for-recovery-of-rebel-arms-cache-in-samar

The Philippine Army lauded local communities for providing vital information that led to the recent recovery of an arms cache belonging to the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of San Jose de Buan, Samar.

The Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) said on Tuesday that the May 30 operation was made possible through information voluntarily provided by former NPA members and concerned residents who continue to support government efforts to end insurgency and protect communities from violence.

“The recovery underscores the increasing rejection of the insurgent movement by local communities throughout Samar. As residents continue to embrace peace and development initiatives, the NPA has experienced a steady decline in its support network, recruitment activities, intelligence gathering and logistical capabilities,” the 8ID said in a statement.

Joint operating troops from the Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion and the 804th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 recovered the hidden firearms in Barangay Can-aponte, San Jose de Buan town.

The firearms consisted of two AK-47 assault rifles with magazines, two M16A1 rifles, and one M203 grenade launcher.

According to security officials, the discovery of the hidden firearms indicates the group’s weakening operational capability.

Sustained military and law enforcement operations, combined with the loss of community support, have forced NPA members to conceal and abandon weapons they can no longer effectively secure or use. 

"The discovery of the hidden firearms indicates the group’s weakening operational capability?" Tell that to the solider who died in combat with the NPA this week.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2238398/army-soldier-dies-in-npa-encounter-in-negros-occidental-town

A soldier from the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) was killed during an encounter with remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Tamlang, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, on Monday afternoon.

According to Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso, commander of the 79th IB, government troops encountered communist rebels allegedly responsible for a series of civilian killings in northern Negros.

Alfonso said the military had been monitoring the area following intelligence reports indicating that the rebels were planning further attacks against civilians.

The clash erupted when 79th IB troops engaged about five members of the remnants of the NPA’s Northern Negros Front in a firefight that lasted about 10 minutes, said 1st Lt. Fevie Fajardo, the battalion’s civil-military operations officer.

Fajardo said the rebels withdrew after the encounter, prompting the Army to launch hot pursuit operations that were still ongoing Monday night.

“These communist terrorists were responsible for the recent killings of two civilians in Calatrava on May 5 and May 14,” Fajardo said.

She added that the military had recently received information that the group was planning additional attacks in Escalante City, prompting the deployment of 79th IB personnel for combat operations that led to Monday’s encounter.

Meanwhile, an alleged member of the communist rebel group was arrested at an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) checkpoint in Barangay Mabini, Escalante City, at around 4 p.m. Monday.

Fajardo said authorities recovered a .45-caliber pistol from the suspect, who had allegedly come from Barangay Tamlang.

The NPA remains a threat and as soon as the AFP realizes the danger they pose nothing will change.