Insurgency: NTF-ELCAC Briefs UN

The AFP has released another update on how many Reds and supporters have been neutralized since the beginning of the year. They say the number is getting close to 1,000.

 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1281659

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said operations against communist insurgents from Jan. 1 to Aug. this year have, so far, “neutralized" an estimated 970 New People's Army (NPA) members and their supporters.

Of the total, 862 of the individuals surrendered, 37 were arrested, and 71 were killed, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a media interview Tuesday.

"Neutralized" is a military term that refers to the surrender, capture, or killing of enemy troops.

"A total of 653 firearms and 255 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered, and 38 encampments were seized," Padilla said.

"If we look at the numbers, we can see the operational gains,” she noted.

The AFP spokesperson said the military operations’ objective is the removal of more communities under the NPA's "cycle of violence”.

Last year, the military said its units neutralized an estimated 2,018 NPA members and their supporters, seized around 1,134 firearms and 531 anti-personnel mines, and captured around 149 NPA encampments. 

 "If we look at the numbers, we can see the operational gains?” How so? Without breaking down the numbers into how many actual NPA rebels versus mere supporters have been neutralized, these numbers are worthless. Especially in light of the fact that the last estimated count of remaining NPA rebels was 780 which is below the number being reported. But the headline looks good. 

Another one of the non-existent NPA leaders has been neutralized. He was arrested in Surigao Sur.  

 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1281684

Police arrested a former team leader of the dismantled North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army (NPA), who is also listed as the top 3 most wanted person in the Caraga Region, in Surigao del Sur, authorities said Wednesday.

Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) chief Col. Jeffrey Lawrence Mauricio identified the suspect as alias Neil or Part, 26, former team leader of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad.

Neil was arrested on the evening of Aug. 10 in Barangay San Isidro, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, through the service of arrest warrants by various units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The operation was led by personnel of the Barobo Municipal Police Station, in coordination with other PNP and AFP units.

Multiple arrest warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 28 in Lianga against the suspect for three counts of murder, two counts of frustrated murder, and one count of attempted murder.

The suspect is now under the custody of the local police station in Barobo for proper documentation and disposition.

"The arrest of the suspect, a regional top-most wanted person and a leader of the communist terrorist group, is a monumental victory for justice and a testament to the strength of the joint PNP and AFP forces," Mauricio said in a statement on Wednesday.

And to think if he had only surrendered he would have been able to avail of amnesty and E-CLIP benefits like free money, housing, and job training. 

Matuguinao, Samar was previously declared to be insurgency-free. Yet, just recently locals had to drive off the NPA who were hoping to return to influence. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2284446/samar-town-foils-npa-return-bid-after-insurgency-free-declaration

An attempted return by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to different remote villages of Matuguinao, Samar, was foiled after residents alerted authorities, prompting a security operation by the Philippine Army.

In an official statement issued on Friday, Mayor Aran Boller said residents immediately reported the NPA presence, allowing the 43rd Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Jason Que to conduct a security operation that prevented the armed group from returning to the community.

The mayor did not provide details on the identity or number of armed men involved, or whether an encounter occurred. 

Boller said the incident underscored the importance of declaring Matuguinao insurgency-free on June 8, saying the status had encouraged residents to take a more active role in protecting peace and security in their communities.

“When there are suspicious movements or signs of an armed group attempting to enter, our residents do not simply remain silent—they immediately report these to the barangay and concerned authorities,” Boller said in his statement.

Matuguinao has 20 barangays and was for decades regarded as one of Samar’s insurgency strongholds, with the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) reaching nearly all parts of the municipality.

Since its creation as a municipality in 1965 and the emergence of the NPA in the 1970s, insurgency-related violence in the town has claimed the lives of two municipal mayors, military personnel, barangay officials, and civilians, making Matuguinao one of the province’s most challenging security environments.

Boller said the latest incident should not disrupt the daily lives of residents, including farming and livelihood activities.

He also urged residents to be cautious about information circulating on social media and avoid sharing unverified reports that could create fear, confusion, or misperceptions about the security situation.

The mayor called on residents to rely on official, verified information from the local government and concerned authorities and to continue coordinating with government forces.

“Peace is a responsibility that we must all take care of together,” Boller said, noting the importance of early reporting, cooperation and unity among communities in maintaining peace and supporting Matuguinao’s development.

It's suspicious that no details on this encounter were given. The public should know those details as a matter of safety. This incident, if it did occur, also underscores that insurgency-free does not mean insurgent free. There are, perhaps, insurgents in the area.  

There is a new NTF-ELCAC chief in town and he has vowed that no child will grow-up in the shadow of armed conflict. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1281851

The newly appointed executive director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has promised that no Filipino child will ever again grow up in the shadow of armed conflict.

NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Danilo Pamonag made this pledge as he formally took over the task force last Aug. 12, the task force said in a statement Thursday night.

"Formally taking the helm of the NTF-ELCAC, Pamonag called on government agencies, local chief executives, security forces, civil society, and local communities to move forward with a common purpose," the statement read.

For the new NTF-ELCAC executive director, lasting peace cannot simply mean the absence of armed encounters.

Pamonag emphasized that victory must be measured in the daily lives of ordinary Filipinos, meaning a child can go to school without fear, a family can earn a living in peace, and a remote barangay can access full government services.

“The finish line is within our sight, but the final steps require our highest level of passion, integrity, and hard work," he said.

"We must remain proactive and agile in serving the people, so that no Filipino child will ever again grow up in the shadow of armed conflict,” he added.

Pamonag anchored his roadmap on three foundational pillars — unity, peace and development.

He outlined key priorities for the task force:

• Strengthening the Whole-of-Nation Approach: Deepening coordination among national agencies and local government units (LGUs).

• Breaking Down Institutional Silos: Fostering a cohesive, results-driven bureaucracy to accelerate interagency convergence.

• Sustaining Community Presence: Ensuring Joint Regional Task Forces and National Clusters remain active and responsive in historically isolated or vulnerable areas.

• Securing Long-Term Development: Making roads, schools, health services, and economic opportunities permanent features of cleared communities to prevent any resurgence of violence.

As this developed, Pamonag paid tribute to his predecessor, Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., for his strategic foresight in weakening the armed insurgency, empowering local chief executives and steering the campaign toward good governance.

As the insurgency continues to weaken, Pamonag rallied the NTF-ELCAC secretariat, regional task forces and partner agencies to execute the final stretch with heightened professionalism and integrity, noting that the ultimate victory will be empowering a generation of Filipino children who will never have to live through an insurgency. 

What exactly is the finish line when the AFP has said zero insurgents is an impossibility and they are merely trying to whittle them down to a manageable level?

Año admitted insurgency cannot be totally eliminated, but he believes the issue may be brought down to a negligible point.

“While we may not be able to attain this zero insurgents, but at least reduced to an irrelevant number that will not cause concern for peace and order,” he said.

“They will become isolated and just become bandits, because of lost ideology and non-support from the people,” he projected.

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2023/09/insurgency-communist-insurgency-to-end.html

And let's not forget the insurgency has been set to be over by the end of the year for decades now. 

The NTF-ELCAC has gone before the United Nations to push for international action against spy-tagging.  

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1281988

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is seeking greater international action against communist insurgents following a briefing to the United Nations (UN) on documented cases of civilian killings and a deadly “spy-tagging” campaign.

In a news release Sunday, the NTF-ELCAC said its national secretariat presented to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN-OHCHR) the 71 documented cases of alleged arbitrary killings and other human rights violations attributed to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army since January 2025.

"The presentation emphasized the violent incidents in Mindoro and Negros Island, highlighting the deadly consequences of 'spy-tagging' — the practice of branding civilians as government informants or intelligence assets, often placing their lives at grave risk," it said.

Led by NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Danilo Pamonag, the engagement placed the plight of civilians at the center of the discussions.

The report details how farmers, community members, and other civilians were allegedly accused of being “spies” or government collaborators before being targeted and killed by communist armed elements.

UN-OHCHR representative Signe Poulsen welcomed the documentation and vowed to bring the findings before appropriate international human rights mechanisms.

Pamonag said the engagement underscored the need for human rights protection to apply equally to all victims, regardless of whether the alleged perpetrator is a state or non-state actor.

He pushed for stronger engagement with international development partners to support peace-building, community development, and the sustainable reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society.

Pamonag specifically urged international human rights organizations to focus on the spy-tagging, summary executions, and other forms of violence allegedly perpetrated against civilians by communist armed groups, particularly in vulnerable and geographically isolated communities.

It's pretty ironic since the human rights organizations have lambasted the NTF-ELCAC for red-tagging civilians who have nothing to do with the NPA or the insurgency. 

Insurgency: Classes Suspended

Once again the AFP has released an update in the war against the insurgency. Let's take a look at those numbers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280542

A total of 831 New People's Army (NPA) communist insurgents and their supporters were "neutralized" by government forces from Jan. 1 to July 23 this year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced late Tuesday.

Of the total, 736 of the individuals surrendered, 34 were apprehended, and 61 were killed in military operations, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Neutralized is a military term that refers to the surrender, capture, or killing of enemy troops.

During the same period, 588 assorted firearms and 244 anti-personnel mines were either surrendered or seized, and 30 NPA encampments were also captured.

"With every gun recovered, the threat is reduced, and with more surrenders, a lot more lives change. Peace remains our end goal," Padilla noted.

In the whole of last year, the military said its units neutralized about 2,018 NPA and its supporters.

About 1,798 of them surrendered while 93 were arrested and 127 were 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.

A total of 149 NPA encampments were also captured, it added.

In the last update, as of July 9th 812 Reds and supporters had been neutralized. As before, these numbers are not properly broken down between actual NPA rebels and mere supporters. Without that breakdown this number becomes meaningless. That last count of remaining rebels given in December 2025 estimated them at 780. 

Having cleared Caraga of insurgents the Army is now targeting Northern Mindanao. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2273396/army-targets-npa-rebels-in-northern-mindanao-after-clearing-caraga

After “completely” dismantling a major communist command in the Caraga Region, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) is doubling down on its offensive to wipe out the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Northern Mindanao.

Lt. Col. Joe Patrick Martinez confirmed this renewed push following the 4ID’s 2nd Quarter Campaign Progress Review and Assessment (CPRA) held Tuesday at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in this city.

“The results of our second quarter assessment prove that relentless military pressure and strong community support bring real peace,” Martinez told the Inquirer on Wednesday.

Martinez said that between April 1 and June 30, the division recorded 11 armed encounters with the NPA combatants. These operations resulted in the neutralization of 20 communist guerrillas and the seizure of 31 high-powered firearms.

The most significant blow to the communist insurgency in the region was the neutralization of Edilberto Reponte Daval, alias “Bong, Waco, and Bill,” who commanded the Regional Operations Command of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), Martinez said.

The communist unit’s “collapse,” he added, was sealed by the recent surrender of Elena Estaniel Rambuyon, alias “Sandra,” the former NEMRC secretary.

“The complete dismantling of the NEMRC and the historic declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security in Caraga are major milestones, but our work is not done,” Martinez said.

Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao, 4ID commander, congratulated the troops, recalling that the NEMRC was still intact when he first took command.

“Today, it has been successfully dismantled,” Angcao told his officers during the briefing.

While recognizing the division’s accomplishments, Angcao directed his commanders to maximize all operational, intelligence, and logistical resources to deny the remaining guerrillas any chance to regain influence or reorganize.

They don't say how many remnants are left.  But with 11 armed clashes in three months there must be a significant number remaining. 

In Masbate the NPA clashed with troops resulting in the death of two rebels. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2273638/2-alleged-npa-rebels-killed-in-masbate-clash

Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA), who are believed to be a married couple, were killed in an encounter with government troops in the Masbate town of Palanas on Wednesday.

Col. Angelo Lutera, commander of the Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade, identified the fatalities as Crisanto Pikit-Pikit, alias “Dawe,” and Shiela Estoya Pikit-Pikit, whom he identified as members of the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya South under the Sub-Regional Committee 4 of the Bicol Regional Party Committee.

The clash occurred in Barangay San Isidro at around 6:10 a.m. after troops from the 2nd Infantry Battalion encountered an armed group while conducting combat patrol operations, Lutera said.

Soldiers recovered four M16 rifles, 14 long magazines, five short magazines, and other war materiel from the encounter site.

Combat operations continue in the area as of Wednesday, he said.

Four hours later there was another clash in which a soldier was wounded. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2273949/army-soldier-wounded-in-second-masbate-clash-with-suspected-npa-rebels

A government soldier was wounded in a second encounter between government troops and suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Masbate on Wednesday, hours after two alleged communist rebels were killed in an earlier clash in the province.

Col. Angelo Lutera, commander of the Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade, said the soldier sustained a gunshot wound to the neck during the 10-minute firefight in Barangay Libtong, Cataingan town, at around 10:15 a.m.

The clash occurred just hours after another encounter in Barangay San Isidro, Palanas, where two alleged NPA members, believed to be a married couple, were killed.

Lutera said government troops recovered an M653 rifle and an M203 grenade launcher from the encounter site in Cataingan, both believed to have been left behind by the fleeing rebels.

The military has yet to determine whether there were casualties among the suspected rebels in the Cataingan encounter.

Clashes continued in Oriental Mindoro with 2 NPA rebels killed and one captured. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2273953/2-npas-killed-1-captured-in-clash-with-soldiers-in-oriental-mindoro

Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were confirmed killed and another one captured after an encounter in Barangay Del Pilar, Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro province.

Troops from the Army’s 76th Infantry Battalion engaged in a firefight with around 10 members of the NPA under the leadership of a certain Antonio Baculo alias Floor or Duralite.

According to Del Pilar village chief Israel Saunar, the soldiers encountered the suspected rebels in the vicinity of Purok 2 and Purok 3 at around 11 a.m.

Brigadier General Melencio Ragudo, commander of the Army’s 203rd Brigade, said that a hot pursuit operation is ongoing and advised residents to monitor any suspicious activities and to avoid going near the affected area until authorities declare it safe.

Checkpoints were also set up by the Philippine National Police on possible escape routes of the remaining NPA members.

No casualties were reported among the Army troopers.

This particular clash affected the whole region resulting in the suspension of classes.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2274093/classes-suspended-in-parts-of-naujan-due-to-military-npa-clash

Classes in all public and private schools in two districts of Naujan town have been suspended beginning on Thursday (July 30), following an armed encounter that left two alleged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels dead and another captured, local and military authorities said.

In an official statement issued Wednesday (July 29), Mayor Henry Joel Teves ordered the suspension of classes in all school levels in Districts 7 and 8 “until areas are declared safe and secured by proper authorities.”

The suspension came hours after government troops clashed with around 10 suspected NPA members in Barangay Del Pilar during a combat operation.

According to the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, soldiers responded to information from residents about the presence of armed rebels in the village.

Authorities have yet to release the identities of the fatalities and the arrested combatant.

Soldiers recovered components for improvised explosive devices, food supplies, and personal belongings allegedly abandoned by fleeing rebels.

Pursuit operations against the remaining members of the armed group were ongoing as of Wednesday, the Army said.

With ten rebels engaging in combat and the recovery of so much material it just shows that the NPA remains a threat. 

In Surigao Sur a former NPA leader surrendered. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280508

The Army's 4th Infantry Division reported on Tuesday the surrender of the former secretary of the dismantled North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the New People's Army (NPA).

Elena Estaniel Rambuyon, 56, also known as Sandara, voluntarily surrendered to the troops of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion under the 401st Infantry Brigade on July 24 in Purok 3, Barangay Saint Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

"Rambuyon had been on lie-low status since November 2025," said Brig. Gen. Benjamin Leander, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, in a statement on Tuesday.

He added that Rambuyon decided to surrender due to fear for her safety and the relentless, focused military operations of the government forces that restricted the movements and capabilities of the remaining NPA guerrillas in the province.

"We welcome the surrender of the former NEMRC secretary, which reflects the diminishing influence of the group, not only in Surigao del Sur, but also in the Caraga Region," Leander said.

In the same statement, 4ID commander Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao noted that the surrender of Rambuyon validated the success of the government's peace and security initiatives that culminated in the declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security across Caraga Region.

Apparently she has been waiting to do so formally since November 2025. Now she will be able to reap all the E-CLIP benefits. 

Likewise for the Islamic terrorists who surrendered in Maguindanao Sur. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2274336/6-extremists-24-loose-firearms-surrendered-in-maguindanao-sur

Six violent extremists (FVEs) yielded, and 24 high-powered firearms were formally surrendered to the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday, as authorities intensified the campaign against loose firearms in the wake of the campaign period for the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) slated on September 14.

The six FVEs, who were former members of the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), turned over six high-powered firearms to battalion commander Lt. Col. William Sabado as a symbol of their abandonment of the armed struggle and return to peaceful civilian life.

In addition, 18 more loose firearms were voluntarily surrendered by residents of the municipalities of Talayan, Guindulungan, and Datu Anggal Midtimbang. This brought to 24 the total number of surrendered firearms.

Of the total firearms surrendered, seven came from Talayan, seven from Guindulungan, four from Datu Anggal Midtimbang, and the remaining six from the former militants.

Sabado presented the surrenderees and the firearms to Brig. Gen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, during ceremonies held at the battalion headquarters in Talayan town.

The activity forms part of the intensified campaign of the 601st Infantry Brigade, local government units, and other government agencies to achieve the declaration of “Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS)” in the municipalities of Guindulungan, Talayan, and Datu Anggal Midtimbang.

To assist the surrenderees in rebuilding their lives, several government agencies extended various forms of assistance.

Catu said the surrender of the violent extremists and their firearms demonstrates that more people are now choosing peace, unity, and development over violence.

“Every firearm voluntarily surrendered, and every individual who returns to the fold of the law represents another important step toward strengthening security, stability, and unity in the communities of Maguindanao del Sur,” Catu said.

The members of the DI who surrendered were likely involved in the Marawi siege. But either way they will not face any repercussions for crimes they may have committed. 

Insurgency: Army Renews Call

Islamic terror attacks are ramping up in the South due to the Army's operations in the region. There were four attacks in one weekend alone. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2267156/army-links-fresh-maguindanao-attacks-to-antiterror-operations

Four attacks against Armed Forces of the Philippines units in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur over the weekend may have been retaliatory actions by Islamic State-inspired militants and other lawless groups following recent government offensives, military and police officials said on Monday.

The latest attacks came days after the implementation of the election gun ban in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which took effect on July 16 ahead of the region’s first parliamentary elections on Sept. 14.

At around 7 p.m. on Sunday, about 15 armed men opened fire on the detachment of the Army’s 12th Mechanized Company, 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, in Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte.

Government troops returned fire, triggering a 20-minute firefight before the attackers retreated.

Almost simultaneously, unidentified men planted an improvised explosive device near a Truck Armored Vehicle of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion assigned to the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion detachment in Barangay Linantangan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur.

Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, spokesperson for the Army’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division (6ID), said no soldiers were injured in either attack.

Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 6ID and Joint Task Force Central, said members of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were likely behind the assaults.

“This is in retaliation for the series of successful military campaigns against local terrorists, including the death of BIFF commander Bungos,” Cagara said.

Bungos, whose real name was Esmael Abubakar, was killed during a joint military and police operation in Barangay Calzada, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on July 5.

Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia, director of the Police Regional Office-BARMM, echoed the military’s assessment, saying the attacks appeared to be acts of vengeance by terrorist and criminal groups targeted in ongoing security operations.

“The attacks were in retaliation by lawless groups for the continuing pursuit operations being conducted by the military and police,” Abecia said.

Following the attacks, Suscano said all Army units in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur had been placed on heightened alert.

The two incidents on Sunday brought to four the number of attacks against military forces in the Maguindanao provinces since the election gun ban took effect.

On Saturday morning, suspects hurled a hand grenade at an Army convoy in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, wounding two soldiers and three civilians.

Later that evening, another suspect threw a hand grenade into the detachment of Charlie Company, 7th Infantry Battalion, in Barangay Macaguiling, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. No one was injured in the blast.

The Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters appear to be behind the attacks because they are the group being targeted in recent operations. One of these operations resulted in the arrest of a BIFF bomb maker. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1279998

A wanted person linked to the massacre of 44 elite police force in 2015 and the ambush of police officers that killed five in Maguindanao del Sur earlier this year was arrested on Tuesday by joint police and military forces, police said.

Colonel Michael John Mangahis, Maguindanao del Sur police provincial director, on Wednesday identified the suspect as Muslimin Amilil, 45, an alleged bomb maker of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiya (DI) local terror groups.

“He did not resist arrest when lawmen presented him with various arrest warrants for murder and frustrated murder charges,” Mangahis said in a statement.

Amilil, a bomb-making student of the slain Malaysian terrorist Zulkipli Bin Hir, alias Marwan, and the slain DI leader Basit Usman, was arrested in his hideout in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, the same area where 44 Special Action Force personnel were killed in a 2015 operation to arrest Marwan.

Mangahis said Amilil served as the senior adviser to the Panenekelan Criminal Gang, an armed group operating in Maguindanao del Sur and involved in the ambush of police officers in Shariff Aguak last March, which killed five policemen and wounded three others.

Mangahis said Amilil identified himself as affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 128th Base Command. Amilil has warrants issued by local courts for numerous criminal cases, including murder, frustrated murder, robbery, attempted murder, and double murder.

“Criminals must be brought to justice at all costs. Peace and order are non‑negotiable, and the rule of law is absolute — protecting the oppressed and holding accountable those who sow violence,” Mangahis said.

In a separate operation, police and members of the 34th Infantry Battalion arrested Amilil’s wife, Aiza Awab Amilil, in the nearby town of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, also in Maguindanao del Sur.

Seized from her house were five assault rifles, improvised bombs, and ammunition.

Amilil is now detained at the Mamasapano police detention facility, while his wife is held at the Shariff Saydona Mustapha police station lock-up cell.

This must be the first terrorist responsible for the deaths of the SAF 44 who has been arrested. It is worth of being headline news and yet this small blurb on PNA is all there is. Where are the people who were calling for justice for the SAF 44 for the past decade?

In Albay an NPA leader was killed in a clash once more belying the AFP's declaration the NPA is leaderless. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2267545/rebel-leader-killed-in-albay-clash

An alleged leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed, and four high-powered firearms were seized, in one of two separate encounters between government troops and communist rebels in Pio Duran, Albay. 

The Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion, operating under the 901st Infantry Brigade, battled armed groups in separate firefights in Barangays Matanglad and Buyo on Friday, July 18, as part of ongoing security operations against the remaining communist insurgents in the province.

Troops recovered four high-powered firearms and other war materiel after the encounters.

Brig. Gen. Emil Cruz, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, identified the fatality as Nelson Nuyda, alias “Chubby,” who was allegedly a committee member of KLG1, SRC3, BRPC.

“The success of this operation shows the government’s sustained campaign against the communist terrorist group. We will continue our operations until the remaining NPA members in Albay are neutralized,” Cruz said in a statement.

He also urged the remaining NPA members to surrender and begin peaceful lives with their families.

Two days later a soldier was killed in a clash in Abra. 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/phil-army-renews-call-for-remaining-npas-to-surrender-honors-fallen-kalinga-soldier/

The Philippine Army has renewed its call for members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to surrender peacefully following the death of a Kalinga soldier during a recent encounter with suspected members of the Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) in Abra.

It called on remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law, saying the government has programs available to support those who choose to surrender and reintegrate into their communities.

“To our fellow NPA members, it is painful that our fellow Filipinos are dying on both sides. What we want is peace, so I encourage you, comrades, to come down,” said 503rd Infantry Brigade (503Bde) Commander Brigadier General Rhenante Salvador.

“We have many projects in the government that can help you. We are ensuring that your security will be good during your descent. Nothing will happen to you, as long as you come forward, put down your weapons, and join us in our quest for peace here in the Cordillera,” he added.

Salvador led the giving of military honors for Private First Class Drexler Gumayat of San Pablo, Bulo, Tabuk City, when his remains arrived at the 503Bde headquarters in Calanan, Tabuk, on July 21, 2026.

Gumayat's family joined Army personnel in receiving his remains before they were escorted to their home for the wake and final tribute.

A member of the 50th Infantry Battalion (50IB), Gumayat was killed during an encounter on July 20 in Tineg, Abra, while government troops were conducting pursuit operations against around 10 armed individuals believed by the military to be remnants of the ICRC.

The encounter followed an earlier clash on July 19 in Sitio Ambalag, Barangay Lan-ag, Lacub, Abra, where two soldiers were wounded, including Private First Class Jake Awingan of Pasil, Kalinga, who sustained minor injuries.

Salvador paid tribute to Gumayat, describing him as a hero who sacrificed his life while serving communities in Abra.

“A big salute to Drexler because he sacrificed his entire 50th IB during those hours,” Salvador said.

He said Gumayat’s dedication to service reflected his commitment to peace despite being assigned outside his home province.

“Drexler is a hero because he fought for peace. He is not from Abra, but he chose to serve the people of Abra to help achieve the peace that the province is striving for. He is a hero for all of us,” he added.

The brigade commander also extended his condolences to the Gumayat family and assured them of the Army’s continued support.

The Philippine Army said pursuit and clearing operations remain ongoing in the area to ensure the safety of nearby communities.

Authorities have yet to release information regarding possible casualties from the armed group or the recovery of firearms and other war material.

A day before that two soldiers were wounded in clashes. The AFP has renewed its call for the remaining NPA members to surrender. But how many are left?

In Leyte only 5 cities have yet to attain insurgency-free status. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280011

Five local government units (LGUs) in Leyte province have yet to be declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), according to the Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion (IB).

Lt. Col. Celeste Frank Sayson, 93rd IB commander, said in an interview on Wednesday that out of the 43 LGUs in Leyte province, only Tacloban City, Baybay City and the towns of Carigara, Jaro, and Albuera have yet to receive SIPSC declarations.

Despite this, Sayson expressed confidence that the remaining areas would soon attain the status.

"We have a very bright future for our beloved province, specifically the three provinces, because it is only a matter of time before we declare the entire province of Leyte insurgency-free," he said.

Sayson said the military remains committed to ending the insurgency in the area.

"With God's permission, may they all surrender, or if we encounter them again, we hope they will choose to surrender. We have a strong resolve to end this insurgency so that the whole province will be declared insurgency-free," he added.

The army unit, based in Kananga, Leyte, has operational jurisdiction over Leyte, Biliran and Southern Leyte.

Biliran was declared insurgency-free in September 2024, while Southern Leyte attained SIPSC status in May 2026.

Sayson said there are no longer any monitored members of the New People's Army (NPA) who originated from Leyte. However, intelligence reports indicate that 12 remaining rebels continue to operate across Leyte Island and Biliran.

SIPSC is a formal security designation granted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to cities, municipalities, or provinces that have met established peace and security benchmarks.

The declaration signifies that insurgent threats have been neutralized, local armed conflict has been reduced to manageable levels, and peace and order have significantly improved.

The designation is expected to boost investor confidence, encourage tourism, and support infrastructure development. It also allows the AFP to shift its primary focus from internal security operations to territorial defense, while the PNP assumes the lead role in maintaining peace and order.

That is quite a feat to attempt and perhaps will be achieved soon. 

Insurgency: 812 Reds Supporters Neutralized

It finally happened! The number of NPA and their supporters who have been neutralized this year has surpassed the last number of estimated remaining NPA rebels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1279388

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said a total of 812 New People's Army (NPA) members and their supporters were reported "neutralized" from Jan. 1 to July 9 this year.

"Neutralized" is a military term which refers to surrender, capture or killing of enemy troops.

Of this number, 720 surrendered, 32 were arrested and 60 killed in various military operations nationwide, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Padilla said a total of 564 firearms and 229 anti-personnel mines were either seized or captured during the same period, along with 33 encampments.

"Bawat armas na naisuko ay isang buhay na maaring mailigtas (every surrendered firearm means a possible life saved)," she said.

The AFP spokesperson added that for every NPA communist insurgent who surrendered, one family is again given a chance to be complete and another chance for a brighter future.

For the whole of 2025, the military said its units have neutralized around 2,018 NPAs and their supporters.

Of the total, 1,798 have surrendered with 93 arrested, and 127 killed in various military operations nationwide.

About 1,134 firearms and 531 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered during the same period, and a total of 149 NPA encampments were also captured. 

Again, they do not break those numbers down between supporters and rebels. But how can there be more supporters than actual rebels? It defies all commonsense especially as the AFP claims the NPA is losing support. The last estimated number of rebels was 780.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264624

From tens of thousands during their heyday, the number of New People's Army (NPA) rebels all over the country has dwindled to less than 1,000, a ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said Thursday, citing a "recent report."

"A recent report that we have received [indicates that] there are only 780 NPAs all over the country," NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a media briefing marking the 7th founding anniversary of the task force.

"That's relatively small because at their peak [in the 1980s], they numbered to about 25,000," he added.

Torres did not identify the source of the report nor give additional details regarding its contents. But according to him, these NPA remnants are holed up in the mountains, with some curious about the various programs the government is offering to former rebels.

Perhaps we should stop believing any and all numbers the AFP provides since they do not want to disclose their sources or break them down into appropriate categories. Without separating supporters from armed rebels, these figures become almost impossible to evaluate.

The AFP is now celebrating the dismantling of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/15/afp-cpp-npa-northeastern-mindanao-regional-committee-dismantled

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr. recently announced that the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) has been dismantled.

“We have declared the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines dismantled, and that is because of your hard work,” he said during a recent farewell visit to the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division. “So, congratulations po sa inyong lahat (Congratulations to you).” Brawner is retiring from the service on Tuesday, July 21.

Brawner, a former commander of the 4th ID, commended troops for their dedicated service and unwavering commitment to peace and development efforts.

He said the neutralization of key New People’s Army leaders and the dismantling of the NEMRC paved the way for the declaration of a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status in the Caraga region.

Brawner thanked local officials and media for their all-out support to the government’s peace and development program.

“It doesn't matter whether you are assigned in the field or assigned here at headquarters. All of us have a role to play, and all of us contribute to the success of the division,” Brawner said.

Brawner thanked the 4th ID for their support from his time as division commander to AFP chief of staff.

"Maraming salamat from the bottom of my heart for all the support you have given me during my term as the commander of the 4th Infantry Division, during my term as the commanding general, Philippine Army, and now as Chief of Staff," he added.

The 4th ID and the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command presented Brawner with a memento in recognition of his steadfast leadership and dedicated service.

The event concluded with a boodle fight among troops and guests.

Funny the AFP gives no concrete proof it has been dismantled. They just declare it to be so. On what basis? Because a few leaders have been killed? That means nothing. There are likely stragglers out there and maybe even a new leader. 

The capital of Eastern Samar, Borongan City, has been declared insurgency-free.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1279345

This city was declared on Monday as insurgency-free, becoming the 21st local government unit in Eastern Samar to achieve the security milestone.

The declaration of the city under the Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), was led by the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Peter Burgonio, Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda and Vice Gov. Maricor Sison-Goteesan, who represented Gov. Ralph Vincent Evardone.

In his message, Agda stressed that the SIPSC declaration should not mark the end of the city's peace efforts but should instead inspire continued collaboration among government agencies and communities to sustain peace and development.

"Let us work together, even with this declaration that we are already free from these peace challenges. This should not stop us in our resolve to fight for good governance, accountability, and our care for others," Agda said.

The mayor recalled that when he assumed office in 2019, the city experienced two bombing incidents — one in the remote village of Barangay Pinanag-an that killed several soldiers and another along the national highway in Barangay Libuton that claimed the lives of police personnel and injured several civilians.

Since then, the city government has strengthened its peace and development initiatives by encouraging active communist rebels to surrender and reintegrate into society through government assistance, including livelihood support and employment opportunities under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The city also continued to invest in road infrastructure connecting interior barangays to the national road network. Of Borongan's 61 barangays, only Baras and Pinanag-an remain accessible solely by motorboat.

Despite the SIPSC declaration, Burgonio assured residents that the military would maintain its presence in Borongan, particularly in hinterland communities such as those along the Suribao River, to preserve peace gains and support development programs.

"We will not leave Borongan City. Instead, we are stepping up our presence here to sustain peace efforts," Burgonio said.

He also urged barangay officials to continue improving the delivery of government services and safeguard the peace achieved through the collective efforts of the military, police, local government units, and communities.

Borongan is the 21st local government unit in Eastern Samar to be declared under SIPSC. The municipalities of Dolores and Jipapad are the only remaining local government units in the province yet to receive the declaration.

The SIPSC is jointly conferred by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police on provinces, cities, and municipalities that have dismantled insurgent influence, recorded zero violent incidents between government forces and rebels, and cleared guerrilla operations.

Other parameters include established functional peace and order mechanisms signifying that insurgency-related threats have been reduced to manageable levels, creating opportunities for sustained socio-economic development, increased investments, and tourism.

Yet, despite this declaration the military is staying to ensure the peace. That means there are still NPA rebel holdouts. There is still a chance for the rebellion to flare up. 

The NPA remains a threat as in Victorias they assassinated an alleged informant and a former comrade. 

https://negrosnowdaily.com/npa-admits-twin-slay-in-victorias/

The New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility for the fatal shootings of their former comrade and an alleged military informant in Barangay Gawahon, Victorias City, Negros Occidental on July 10.

In a statement, the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command accused Jerome Seballos of being an intelligence asset of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly its Intelligence Service.

They also accused Seballos of being among those allegedly responsible for the April 19 encounter in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, where 19 individuals identified as NPA members had been killed.

They further linked Seballos to the death of two NPA cadres identified as Nonoy “Ka Jojo” Ponteras and Marissa “Ka Rens” Pobresa in 2024.

Rebel spokesperson Ka Cecil Estrella said their special partisan unit recovered a caliber .45 pistol from Seballos.

The rebel group claimed that the second victim, Alex Cunanan, 59, a resident of Barangay Gawahon, had allegedly betrayed the NPA, where he used to be affiliated, by assisting military operations in E.B. Magalona. 

A caliber .45 pistol and a shotgun were also seized from Cunanan, they added.

The threat is far from over in the Visayas.