Insurgency: Public Urged To Stay Vigilant

The Army has warned the public to stay vigilant against the NPA as they continue to engage in clashes. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247654

Government troops on Monday clashed with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Maragat in Kabugao town, Apayao province, three days after a similar encounter took place in the same village.

According to the Philippine Army, the troops encountered an estimated 20 NPA rebels while conducting follow-up operations at around 10:25 a.m.

"These successive encounters clearly demonstrate that the CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists) are on the retreat and losing ground rapidly," Lt. Col. Melchor Balasi, commanding officer of the 98th Infantry Battalion (IB), said in a statement.

On April 5, troops from 98th IB engaged members of the Regional Guerrilla Unit (RGU), Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) during a focused military operation in the mountainous area of Barangay Maragat.

The encounter led to the recovery of high-powered firearms, war materials, and personal items.

"We strongly urge the remaining members of this terrorist group to surrender, return to the folds of law, and choose the path of peace," Balasi said.

Balasi urged residents in nearby areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities, as he noted that fleeing rebels have fewer places left to hide.

Meanwhile, government troops on Monday recovered a cadaver of suspected communist terrorist near the encounter site.

The cadaver was turned over to the local government unit of Apayao for proper disposition and identification.

The Philippine Army reiterated its full support to the government’s campaign to end local communist armed conflict through its sustained operations and strengthened civil-military operations in Apayao and nearby areas.

Encounters continue to happen with the remaining rebels despite the lack of leadership. 

Another town in Samar has been declared rebel-free after three years of no reported NPA-related violence.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/9/samar-town-declared-under-stable-internal-peace-security-status

The Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and the Municipal Peace and Order Council of Pinabacdao, Samar declared the municipality under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) on Tuesday, April 8.

The status was declared under Sangguniang Bayan Resolution Number 25-014, Series of 2025, after the municipality met all the parameters set by the joint AFP-PNP committee regarding the peace and security situation in the area.

Based on the resolution, the internal peace and security spectrum is composed of four stages: insurgency, conflict-manageable, suppressed insurgency, and stable internal peace and security.

Under the SIPSC stage, the municipality was categorized as cleared and unaffected and relatively peaceful.

The absence of NPA-related violence for more than three years in the municipality played a vital factor in the declaration.

Pinabacdao had been one of the hotbeds of insurgency in Samar. 

In 2023, there were 11 active NPA members who were residents of Pinabacdao.  Only three  were left after the surrender of eight as a result of the localized peace engagement activities of the MTF- ELCAC.

The province’s high poverty incidence – estimated at 24.9 percent, the highest in Eastern Visayas in 2024 –  was  one of the main causes of insurgency.

Brig. Gen.  Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, attributed the success of the municipality’s internal peace and security campaign to the active collaboration of the members of the MTF-ELCAC in addressing the cause of insurgency.

“The declaration of the insurgency's end in what was once a hotbed of violence in the province of Samar is a significant milestone for Pinabacdao in terms of achieving internal peace and security. This development is expected to attract more investors and local entrepreneurs, leading to new business ventures and a boost in local tourism,” Vestuir said.

Vestuir vowed that the Army would continue to secure the municipality despite the declaration of stable internal peace security status.

They say poverty was a cause of the insurgency but do not indicate if poverty has been resolved in the region. 

In Caraga the NPA has lost 20 fighters in the wake of their leader's death. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247833

The communist New People’s Army (NPA) has lost 20 fighters through surrenders to various Army units in the Caraga Region from February to early April 2025, the military said Thursday.

The surrenders followed the death of Myrna Sularte, also known as Maria Malaya, the top rebel leader in the Caraga Region who headed the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), according to the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde).

In a statement Thursday, the 901Bde added that the surrenderers also turned over seven firearms, ammunition, and other war materials during this period.

Of the 20 fighters, 14 were identified as regular NPA members under the NEMRC, while the other six were militia members operating in areas covered by the committee.

Following Sularte’s death on Feb. 12, seven NPA rebels immediately surrendered to different Army units in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Agusan del Sur on Feb. 21.

Among them was Chrystal Malaya Sagbigsal, also known as Islaw, a member of the NEMRC’s Regional Instructors Bureau.

On March 24, nine other NPA fighters, led by Luiegy Sagas, also known as Boswan of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland of NEMRC, surrendered to the Army in Agusan del Norte.

From April 3 to 8, four more NPA fighters yielded in Agusan del Norte, including Edgardo Carbonilla, also known as Dexter, also from SRSDG Westland of NEMRC.

“These surrenders reflect the significant disintegration within the NEMRC, directly linked to the loss of its leadership and the continuous pressure brought about by relentless military operations coupled with a loss of support from the communities,” said Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, commander of the 901Bde, in the same statement.

He added that the surrenders contradicted the NPA’s claim that Sularte’s death would inspire more of its fighters to continue their cause.

“The CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) also claims that it has plenty of veteran and young cadres ready to take on Sularte's leadership and continue her legacy,” Sadural said.

On the contrary, he added, the leader’s death has diminished the morale of its members and caused disorganization within the NEMRC, resulting in a series of surrenders.

These losses have all been due to surrenders and not clashes. 

In Quezon a captured NPA rebel lead the Army to an arms cache.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2050607/captured-rebel-leads-army-to-npas-hidden-weapons-in-quezon

An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA), who was captured last week, led government forces to a cache of firearms hidden by his comrades in Lopez, Quezon province.

Colonel Jeffrex Molina, chief of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2nd ID) Public Affairs Office, reported that “Queen” guided soldiers to the hidden weapons in Barangay Mal-ay on Sunday, April 6.

Government troops recovered an M16 rifle, two anti-personnel mines, four M16 magazines with 67 rounds of ammunition, 20 rounds of M14 ammunition, and assorted tools and equipment used in the production of improvised bombs.

Major General Cerilo Balaoro Jr., 2nd ID commander, attributed Queen’s arrest to the continuous counterinsurgency operations and intensified collaboration with local communities and former rebels.

“Their firearms, explosives, and war materiel are now being recovered one by one, preventing them from launching hostile actions against our people,” Balaoro said in a statement.

On March 27, Queen and a companion were captured by policemen in Lucena City.

Investigators said Queen had been tasked by the NPA to collect “permit-to-campaign” (PTC) fees from election candidates in Quezon province.

In previous elections, the rebels reportedly demanded not only cash but also food, rice, medicines, communication equipment, and even firearms from targeted candidates in exchange for allowing uninterrupted campaign activities within areas considered to be NPA strongholds.

Queen is listed as the most wanted criminal in the Calabarzon region (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon).

He is facing six warrants of arrest for double homicide, attempted homicide, multiple counts of attempted murders, frustrated homicide, and violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Another arms cache was discovered in Camarines Norte.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/10/troops-seized-npa-arms-stash-in-camarines-norte

Soldiers recovered a large New People's Army (NPA) arms cache in Labo town, Camarines Norte on Wednesday, April 9.

Lt. Col. Jeffrex Molina, spokesman of the 2nd Infantry Division, said the 16th Infantry Battalion under the 201st Infantry Brigade found the weapons in Barangay Exciba following information from a former communist rebel.

Molina said the stash was composed of one Ultimax light machine gun, one M-653 rifle, one M-14 rifle, seven M-16 A1 rifles, 14 magazines, 16 hand grenades, two rolls of detonating cord, 4,211 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, and 715 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.

Major Gen. Cerilo Balaoro Jr., 2nd ID commander, said the continued recoveries of the terrorists' war items are steadily weakening the operational capability of the terrorist NPA in Southern Luzon. 

It also showed  the cooperation between government forces, former rebels, and the local community is working very well, he added.

The military conducted the operation with the assistance of the Labo police. On January and February, NPA war materiel were also recovered in Labo.

How many more arms caches are sitting around waiting to be discovered?

A top NPA commander in Bukidon has surrendered. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247891

A former high-ranking commander of the communist New People's Army (NPA) surrendered in Bukidnon province and turned over several high-powered firearms, police said Thursday.

Col. Jovit Culaway, director of the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office, announced in a press briefing in Malaybalay City that Aldie Salusad, a former NPA commander, surrendered after evading 24 active warrants for several years.

"He's a subject for different warrants of arrest including murder, frustrated murder, carnapping, and robbery in band," Culaway said. He added that Salusad also surrendered seven high-powered firearms, two pistols, and a shotgun.

According to records, Salusad was a former commander of a guerrilla front under the Southern Mindanao Regional Command. He voluntarily surrendered following encouragement from family members, including his father, who was also once a rebel.

Meanwhile, the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) strongly condemned a recent NPA attack involving the burning of civilian property in Barangay San Luis, Malitbog town, Bukidnon province, on April 5.

Maj. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr., 4ID Commander, said the attack is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law as it directly targeted and destroyed civilian property. 

Even though he surrendered it does not seem as if he will be eligible for E-CLIP benefits due to the cases of murder filed against him.

Despite the lack of leadership the NPA was able to burn down a cassava warehouse in Bukidnon. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/8/communist-rebels-torch-cassava-warehouse-in-bukidnon

The New People’s Army burned a warehouse for cassava in Sitio Kalipay, Barangay San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon province on Saturday, April 5.

Major Gen. Michele B. Anayron Jr., commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, condemned the attack.

Anayron said the arson attack did not only destroy a business establishment but also deprived local workers of their livelihood. 

“These actions are counterproductive to the welfare of the community, which the NPA claims to have advocated for,” he said. 

"The attack is a clear violation of the International Humanitarian Law, as it directly targets and destroys civilian property. It is a blatant act of terrorism designed to spread fear and disrupt peaceful communities,” Anayron said.

 “While advocating for the marginalized, the NPA’s destructive tactics only serve to marginalize further those they claim to defend. Building, not burning, is the path to true empowerment. The violent act only undermines legitimate grievances. Peaceful and constructive dialogue, not destruction, is the only way to address any kind of issue."

Soldiers from the 28th and 23rd Infantry Battalions are pursuing the fleeing communist rebels. 

Damage to property was estimated at millions. The warehouse was reportedly owned by a certain King Ragandang Zayas, the military said.

This act does contradict the NPA's claims that they are fighting for the people. But it's not as if communists have ever been "for the people. "

Insurgency: The Steadfast Revolutionary Spirit

The Army has issued a stark warning to all remaining NPA members who refuse to surrender. You will die.  

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247142

Following the recent deaths of two rebels in Northern Samar, the Philippine Army warned the New People’s Army (NPA) of more intensified focused military operations if they will not surrender.

Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, expressed his sadness over the continued violence of the NPA despite government’s efforts to encourage them to surrender and peacefully reintegrate into society.

“If they will not heed the call to abandon the armed struggle and their misguided ideology, such tragedies will continue to happen,” Orio said in a statement Monday.

Orio issued the statement after two rebels died in clashes in upland villages of Las Navas, Northern Samar on March 23 and 28, following the conduct of a focused military operation after civilians reported the presence of an armed group conducting extortion activities in the area.

The initial encounter took place on March 23 in upland Cuenco village, where troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion were engaged in a firefight with 15 NPA fighters.

Killed during the clash was Domeng Tulin, alias “Pawa.” Soldiers also recovered four backpacks, two mobile phones, and other personal belongings.

On March 28, troops from the 20th Infantry Battalion encountered 10 NPA combatants in upland San Francisco village, where an unidentified rebel was killed after a seven-minute firefight. Government troops recovered from the site an M16 rifle, three long magazines, a backpack, and a bandolier.

"This operation is a direct response to the grievances of the people against the terrorist group's extortion and intimidation. We assure the public that we will not waver in our mission to bring lasting peace to the province. We also urge the remaining members of the NPA to embrace peace so that they can be reunited with their loved ones,” Lt. Col. Ricky James Rosalejos, commander of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion, said in a statement.

Last week’s clashes happened just days after three NPA members died in a series of clashes on March 16 in Mapanas, Northern Samar.

Philippine Army data show that there are about 114 remaining armed rebels in Eastern Visayas as of end-February this year.

The AFP says the NPA is leaderless and unable to carry out significant attacks yet skirmishes do happen from time to time. 

The NTF-ELCAC has slayed the CPP for continuing to call for revolution. They are hoping the CPP will partner with the government for real change. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247463

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Friday scored the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) over its continued call for a revolutionary struggle, which has been rejected by the Filipino people.

In a statement, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said this call revealed the CPP as a despotically desperate bureaucratic clique—out of touch with reality, as it continues to chase "the mirage of an armed revolution despite the Filipino people's resounding rejection. "

The group made this call as its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), observed its 56th founding anniversary on March 29.

"As the nation strides forward, leaving behind decades of communist armed violence, the CPP insists on dragging its few followers back, especially the tired and hungry remnants of the NPA, into a dark, discredited past," Torres said.

He also lamented the fact that the CPP is unable to accept its decline along with the NPA.

"As the self-ascribed vanguard of the insurgency, the CPP still attempts to breathe life into a struggle that has lost all relevance. The NPA has now become nothing more than a fragmented and depleted force—isolated, stripped of political credibility, and militarily inconsequential. Like all desperate despots, the CPP continues beating a dead horse, unable to accept the finality of its decline," the NTF-ELCAC official added.

"Laughably, the CPP scapegoats this isolation as the result of the so-called 'fascist militarization' of state forces. The truth is, the people no longer welcome them—not out of fear, but out of a deep resolve to preserve the peace and development they have fought hard to achieve. Communities now see government institutions, especially security forces, not as adversaries but as partners in progress and stability," he added.

With these developments, Torres told remaining NPA members to reject orders and commands from their CPP leaders and to instead rejoin mainstream society.

Torres also clarified that the government is not asking these communist insurgents to surrender their pro-people principles but offering them an invitation to redirect their purpose and become advocates of development.

"The government's unity, peace and reconciliation programs remain open. Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration and Amnesty programs are geared towards helping former rebels rebuild their lives, (and be) empowered through livelihood and reintegration support that contributes to stronger, safer, and more resilient communities," he added.

Of course the CPP isn't going to do that.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/hail-the-steadfast-revolutionary-spirit-of-the-new-peoples-army/

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines hails the New People’s Army on the occasion of its 56th anniversary. We give our firmest salute to the bravery and valor of Red fighters and commanders who continue to perserve in advancing the people’s war in order to fight for the Filipino people’s aspiration for national freedom and genuine democracy.

We congratulate the NPA for all its hard-won achievements in more than five and a half decades of waging people’s war. The Filipino people honor you as their beloved warriors. You fearlessly fight for the people to end the yoke of imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism, and wage fierce resistance against the US-Marcos regime.

Much work has to be done to recover lost ground, revitalize the army and the mass base, and regain previous levels of strength. We have to hurdle many obstacles and adversity. The enemy desperately wants to crush the New People’s Army, to leave the people defenseless and without a force to fight for their cause. The enemy wages a ruthless and relentless war, but in doing so, succeeds only in rousing the people to fight back with even greater energy and determination.

The entire Party must exert its utmost effort to strengthen the New People’s Army and advance the revolutionary armed struggle, which is the principal weapon of the Filipino, not only for defending themselves against the fascist oppressors and exploiters, but to achieve their aspiration for national and social liberation. The task of strengthening the NPA is presently the foremost task of the Party, as a whole, and must be shouldered by all cadres and committees, including those based in the cities, as well as overseas. Fulfillment of this task is requisite to advance all other tasks. All other tasks must serve the objective of advancing the revolutionary armed struggle.

The rectification movement currently being carried out by the Party continues to take root, spread out and bear positive results, particularly in the field of the revolutionary armed struggle. In the course of a little more than one year since launching the rectification movement, we have made thorough efforts at consolidating and revitalizing the NPA. Under the rectification movement, the Party is vigorously promoting within the ranks of the NPA an internal study and review of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism, the Party’s basic principles and the strategy and tactics for waging protracted people’s war.

To further the rectification movement, the NPA has held conferences at the regional and other levels of command to sum-up experiences in order to identify and address errors, weaknesses and shortcomings in the past. These have confirmed, elaborated and deepened the key critical observations made by the Central Committee in initiating the rectification movement in December 2023. Resolutions have been adopted that aim to strengthen the NPA and propel the people’s war forward in a comprehensive manner. The Red fighters of the NPA are ever determined to fight for the people against the brutal onslaught of the fascist and oppressive US-Marcos regime.

We must raise the level of theoretical understanding of Red commanders and fighters and political guides. Further invigorate the study of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism and the basic principles of the Party by using these as guide in assessing and summing-up our experiences, and for planning out future courses of action. Make available the military writings of Chairman Mao Zedong for study and reference of Red commanders and fighters. Assidiously study Amado Guerrero’s Specific Characteristic of our People’s War as well as other key articles of the Central Committee, in order to have a clear grasp of how the protracted people’s war will develop through stages. Study Ka Joma’s valedictory article “The people’s democratic revolution is invincible” and firmly grasp the factors how the New People’s Army cannot be defeated.

It goes on and on and on. The CPP-NPA is not backing down. They are stepping up. How will they do this if they are leaderless? 

Allegedly the leaderless CPP-NPA is attempting to interfere in the election.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/nearly-2k-ex-rebs-rally-condemn-cpp-npa-ndf-poll-exploitations

AROUND 2,000 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) gathered at the Freedom Park in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, on Saturday, March 29, 2025 for the "Kalinaw ug Kalambuan, Singgit sa katawhan!" rally, aimed at rejecting the insurgency and condemning CPP-NPA-NDF’s alleged exploitation of elections to further its agenda.

The rally, organized by Kalinaw Southeastern Mindanao (KSM) Inc., saw former rebels who have reintegrated into society calling for an end to the violent tactics of the CPP-NPA-NDF and their manipulation of the democratic process. 

KSM members, who have partnered with the government in the fight against insurgency, also highlighted their role in helping the Davao Region achieve an insurgency-free status.

In a statement, the organization’s members reflected on their past experiences within the insurgent group and revealed how the CPP-NPA-NDF uses elections to further its goals. 

"As former rebels, we are all aware of the tactics of the CPP-NPA-NDF in using elections to recruit, strengthen, and recover," the statement read. 

The group also exposed how the insurgents use elections as a tool to gather resources, fund candidates, and exert influence over government actions, claiming that many of these candidates secretly serve the group's interests.

KSM also voiced their opposition to several political parties and groups they accuse of being aligned with the insurgents, including Bayan Muna, Kabataan Partylist, ACT Teachers Partylist, Gabriela Women’s Partylist, and Health Workers Partylist. The group also identified several individuals it claimed were linked to the CPP-NPA-NDF, accusing them of supporting the insurgent group’s agenda in government.

This includes Liza Maza, Jerome Adonis, Jocelyn Andamo, Ronnel Arambulo, Rep. Arlene Brosas, Rep. France Castro, Mody Floranda, Teddy Casiño, Mimi Doringo, Amirah Lidasan, and Danilo Ramos.

"We have indeed turned our backs on the violence of armed struggle and the dictatorship of the CPP-NPA-NDF, but we have not betrayed the masses," KSM asserted. They defended their position against accusations of betrayal, questioning who the real traitors were. 

The former rebels also criticized the CPP-NPA-NDF for abandoning their original principles, accusing the group of corruption. 

KSM argued that the insurgents' alliances with the so-called “ruling class” were signs of desperation. 

"This only shows that, first of all, they have become utterly corrupt, as they are now willing to trade their principles for money or personal interest," the statement declared. "Secondly, the true state of our former organizations is being laid on display — they are now desperate and extremely weak, to the point where they must compromise their fundamental principles merely to sustain themselves amid the harsh reality of absent mass support."

Despite the challenges they continue to face, KSM reaffirmed their commitment to the government’s peace initiatives and emphasized their role in helping address the root causes of unrest. 

"We carry decades of knowledge, skills, and experience in mobilizing the masses to achieve their interests, and we must now use these within the framework of the law and our democratic rights," the group stated.

According to Kalinaw, the march in Tagum City serves as a powerful declaration from former insurgents now working to expose the CPP-NPA-NDF’s tactics, rejecting their methods, and supporting the government’s efforts to create a more peaceful society.

As former rebels they are in a good position to understand how the CPP-NPA operates. If they are attempting to subvert the election that is a good sign they are not exactly leaderless as the AFP claims. 

278 more ex-rebels have received more free houses. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247148

At least 278 former rebels in Leyte province are more secured now after receiving free houses from the government.

The PHP125-million housing program funded by the National Housing Authority (NHA) is situated within a 120-hectare property of the provincial government in Daja Daku village.

Construction of the units started in 2022.

Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said former rebels will no longer be encouraged to rejoin the New People’s Army now that their lives have improved.

“Having their own house gives them security that even if they don’t have work, their families are sure that there is a house for them to live. My only request to the beneficiaries is to take good care of this assistance given to them,” Petilla said in an interview Monday.

Petilla said the provincial government originally requested to build 450 houses but the NHA budget allowed them to erect just 278.

The housing site has a training center facility and a halfway house for former rebels, funded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. 

Housing assistance is one of the government promises in the implementation of Executive Order No. 70, signed in December 2018 by former president Rodrigo Duterte to create the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict which employs a whole-of-nation approach to end communism and institute peace-building initiatives.

Just think of all the law abiding folks who live in flammable shanty towns. If the government can build free housing for these traitors they can build free housing for normal everyday citizens. 

Insurgency: NPA Now 'Leaderless'

The AFP has once again declared the NPA to be leaderless. There is also only 1 weakened front remaining. Only 1,050 rebels are left scattered around the country. Dismantling the last guerrilla front has proved challenging because they continue to evade the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1246859

The New People’s Army (NPA) is now “leaderless” and only has one remaining “weakened’ guerrilla front that is expected to be dismantled within the year, the National Security Council (NSC) said Wednesday.

In a panel discussion hosted by the Presidential Communications Office, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), is now “at its lowest point in its more than 50 years of reign of terror in the countryside.”

“They are leaderless now because the entire Central Committee, we have neutralized many of them,” Malaya said.

“So, it's actually a leaderless organization. The only ones running it are the small unit commanders,” he added.

Malaya attributed the CPP-NPA’s apparent defeat to leadership losses following the death of its founder, Jose Maria Sison, and neutralization of key Central Committee members; focused military and police operations; socio-economic investments; and sustained localized peace engagements.

He said the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (NTF-ELCAC) anti-terror grooming and radicalization program impeded the NPA’s recruitment efforts in schools and universities.

He added that the NPA did not succeed in reclaiming its lost mass bases because of the NTF-ELCAC’s initiatives, intensified military and police operations, legal and financial restrictions, socio-economic projects, and amnesty programs.

Malaya touted the “98.88 percent” accomplishment rate in dismantling the NPA’s guerilla fronts, adding that the rebels could no longer be considered a threat to the peaceful conduct of the May 2025 mid-term elections.

“There is now only one remaining weakened guerilla front in the province of Camarines Sur. It’s sad that I’m from there. And this remaining weakened GF will be dismantled within the year,” he said.

“At present, there are only 1,050 remaining NPA armed members scattered and isolated in some parts of the country. When NTF-ELCAC was organized, 89 po lahat iyan, (they are 89), 89 guerilla fronts. And now, we are at one weakened guerilla front,” Malaya added.

While there is only one NPA guerilla front in the country, it is “very challenging” to dismantle the group because it is “constantly evading [the] troops," Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida said.

Larida, however, remained optimistic that the remaining guerrilla front would be dismantled by March. 

March is almost over and the front remains. No word on the time frame for defeating the remaining 1,050 rebels. The AFP says the remaining rebels are being run by small unit commanders. That is still leadership.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2047592/npa-commander-from-negros-yields-to-cebu-city-police

An alleged commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday surrendered to the police in this city.

Misael Atadero Dela Cruz, 57, a resident of Sitio Kakha, Barangay Talalak, Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, was accompanied by his wife.

He said he decided to surrender in Cebu City “for security purposes” as he feared yielding to authorities in Negros.

Dela Cruz, also known as “Jimlan, Layan, Ly, Totoy, Yanyan, Naldo, and Yaksel” is facing multiple charges in court and said he was tired of hiding.

The suspect is considered a “national level most wanted person.”

“I think he feels more at ease surrendering and revealing himself in Cebu City, possibly because of the media presence here. That might be a way for him to protect himself,” said Lieutenant Colonel Macatangay, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office.

The police served multiple warrants of arrest against him when he surrendered to the Abellana Police Station in Cebu City with the assistance of the Regional Intelligence Unit.

The suspect has outstanding warrants for three counts of rebellion issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 63 in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental; and violations of Republic Act 9851 (Crimes Against International Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity) issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 64 in Guihulngan City.

He also has three counts of murder charges issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 63 in Bayawan City and Branch 64 in Guihulngan City; two counts of frustrated murder issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 64 in Guihulngan City and Branch 63 in Bayawan City; and violations of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act), Republic Act 7166, and Comelec Resolution No. 10728, all issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 38 in Dumaguete City.

He also faces two counts of robbery issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 64 in Guihulngan City and six counts of theft issued by the same court in Guihulngan City.

That is also one less commander.

Between January 1st and March 20th 254 Reds have been neutralized. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1246853

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday announced that 254 New People's Army (NPA) rebels and their supporters have been "neutralized" from Jan. 1 to March 20 this year.

In an interview with PTV-4's "Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon", AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said that of this number, 210 voluntarily surrendered to government security troops.

"Neutralize" is a military term that refers to the taking of out of action, either through surrender, capture or in military encounters of NPA and local terrorist group members.

While not giving specific details on how the other 44 rebels were "neutralized", Padilla said the high number of surrenderers indicates the thinning of the NPA ranks.

The military last year said that 88 out of the 89 NPA guerilla fronts have been neutralized, leaving behind only one weakened front.

The AFP attributed its success in neutralizing the politico-military component of the communist insurgents with the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in 2018.

With this development, the AFP spokesperson reiterated the military's appeal to all remaining NPA members and supporters to surrender and avail of the government's amnesty program.

Padilla also reminded these communist insurgents that the "doors of peace will not be open forever" as the amnesty period is only until next year.

"Hinihikayat po namin ang natitira sa kanilang hanay (we are appealing to those still remaining in the NPA ranks), to come back to the folds of the law, and join us in a bigger challenge which is territorial defense," she said.

There is no breakdown on how many are actual rebels versus mere supporters. 

Some of the rebels who surrendered will be living in houses built with hot lumber. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1246971

Environment officials in Agusan del Norte will donate 16,494 board feet of confiscated lumber to support a housing project for former communist rebels, authorities announced Thursday.

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Nasipit said the materials, seized during 2023 anti-illegal logging operations, would help construct homes in Sitio Talaganahaw, Barangay Talo-ao, Buenavista town.

The project aims to provide 123 housing units through a partnership between provincial and municipal governments.

"This donation supports our former rebels' transition to peaceful lives," a CENRO-Nasipit spokesperson said.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has allocated PHP10 million (USD180,000) for the initial construction of 18 units this year, with remaining homes scheduled for 2026 completion.

The inter-agency initiative represents part of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for rebel returnees.

Local officials confirmed the lumber meets construction standards and would be supplemented with additional materials as needed.

At least they didn't destroy the lumber. But is this putting it to good use? Where are the hot lumber homes being built for squatters who aren't rebels?

Another town in Southern Leyte has been declared insurgency-free. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1246925

The town of Saint Bernard in Southern Leyte has been declared as completely free from the influence of the New People's Army (NPA), an army official said Thursday.

With no sightings of armed rebels for several years now, the town has achieved insurgency-free status and officially has stable internal peace and security conditions (SIPC), Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said.

Officials led a ceremony on Wednesday to highlight the declarations, which included the signing of memoranda of agreements and pledges of commitment, along with the simultaneous release of white doves, symbolizing peace and new beginnings.

Vestuir lauded the collaborative efforts of the members of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and the support of the community that led to attaining a significant milestone in terms of peace and security.

“This declaration is important as it’s a symbol of the strong commitment of the local government units towards peace and security. We are happy that many towns in Southern Leyte attained the SIPSC status. This is the fruit of everyone’s efforts and not just by the military,” Vestuir said in a phone interview Thursday.

Saint Bernard town Mayor Edito Mulig thanked all stakeholders who were instrumental in achieving the state of SIPSC.

He said this milestone paves the way for further progress in their town, enhancing the quality of life for their constituents.

The Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government reaffirmed their strong support and commitment to sustaining stable peace and security in Saint Bernard.

Saint Bernard, a coastal town with a population of more than 28,000, is located 151 kilometers south of Tacloban City, the regional capital.

Of course this another chance for the NTF-ELCAC to crow about their achievements. There have been calls to abolish the NTF-ELCAC but President Marcos says he will do no such thing.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/27/2431394/marcos-will-never-abolish-ntf-elcac

President Marcos rejected fresh calls to abolish the government’s anti-insurgency task force, citing its gains in curbing the activities of communist rebels.

According to National Security Council (NSC) assistant director general Jonathan Malaya, Marcos gave this assurance during a meeting with members of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) yesterday at Malacañang.

“In response to the calls of Gabriela party-list Congresswoman Arlene Brosas asking the President to abolish the NTF-ELCAC, I am sorry to relay the bad news to them – that the President made it clear today that he will never abolish the NTF-ELCAC,” Malaya said at a press briefing.?

“The President, as chairman of the NTF-ELCAC himself, recognizes the success of the task force in decimating the terroristic activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front), and if I may quote the President this morning, ‘I’m encouraged by the reports, our efforts are bearing fruit, we have to continue. It has been successful and we need to continue to invest in its success,’” he added.?NTF-ELCAC was created through Executive Order No. 70 signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2018.

Earlier this month, Brosas urged Marcos to abolish the NTF-ELCAC, which she described as “one of the most oppressive state apparatuses created under the Duterte regime.”

According to Malaya, there are only 1,050 remaining NPA members scattered and isolated in some parts of the country. He said the communist insurgency has declined because of the death of its leaders like Joma Sison, focused military and police operations, socioeconomic investments and localized peace engagements.

At the same meeting, President Marcos ordered the Department of Budget and Management to increase the budget of the Barangay Development Program (BDP) under the NTF-ELCAC.

Under the new directive, the DBM would add another P5 million to this year’s current P2.5-million allocation for each barangay that is being granted programs and projects after being cleared of insurgents or NPA presence and influence.

“We have made promises. We must live up to them. Otherwise, they would return to the NPA and say the government is worthless,” Marcos said.

The NSC noted that the National Expenditure Program allocated P10 million each in 2025 for 780 barangays cleared of NPA presence but the General Appropriations Act slashed the funding to P2.5 million per barangay.

“We need to find a way to restore the P10 million per barangay. That’s the most important to me. We’re making good progress because of the BDP. I cannot stress enough that point. The Barangay Development Program is key to the success of the entire NTF ELCAC project,” Marcos stressed.

The NTF-ELCAC is also getting a new partner, The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.  

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1247031

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) on Friday expressed willingness to aid the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)'s Barangay Development Program (BDP).

OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., in a statement, said the agency will do this through their "Payapa at Masagang Pamayanan" (PAMANA) program that aims to uplift the lives of Filipinos in conflict-affected areas.

"The OPAPRU is ready to support and complement the NTF-ELCAC’s BDP through the socio-economic initiatives under the PAMANA program," he added.

Galvez made this pledge after National Security Adviser (NSA) Secretary Eduardo Año recommended the OPAPRU as the co-chair of the NTF-ELCAC’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration and Amnesty Program Cluster that was recently approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

He said the OPAPRU is ready to complement the BDP through socio-economic initiatives that would provide conflict-affected communities with much-needed services and create pathways for inclusive development.

"With that, we convey our sincere thanks to Secretary Año for his trust and confidence as we work to address the local communist insurgency and achieve good governance in our localities," Galvez said.

The OPAPRU chief also expressed his full support to Año in light of recent national developments.

"His integrity, wisdom, and genuine commitment to public service are evident in his distinguished career," he added.

Galvez also said he personally witnessed the NSA's exceptional leadership during the Battle of Marawi, where his strategic acumen was crucial to the victory as Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff.

He said Año demonstrated the same resolve during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he was the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which was a vital partner of the National Task Force against Covid-19 in dealing with public health and safety challenges.

"Now, as the NSA, his agency’s support to the OPAPRU has been invaluable for maintaining peace and order, most especially in the Bangsamoro region. This demonstrates his unwavering dedication to national stability," Galvez noted.

Why weren't they coordinating before? Their missions do conicide.