Insurgency: Discovered In A Journal

The NPA remains armed and dangerous. The troops are in pursuit of a group fronted by a wanted NPA hitman in Negros Occidental. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1272411

Troops from the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) are pursuing remnants of the communist New People's Army (NPA) led by wanted hitman Roger Fabillar, following two clashes in Calatrava, Negros Occidental on Monday.

In a statement, the 79IB said the separate encounters took place between 8:35 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. at Sitio Proper, Barangay Minautok.

"This group is also responsible for the killings of innocent civilians in the villages of Escalante City. Pursuit operations are ongoing," it said.

Soldiers engaged about seven remnants of the dismantled NPA Northern Negros Front, who later withdrew toward different directions, the report said.

For three years now, the 79IB has been offering a PHP1 million cash reward to anyone who could provide information that would result in the arrest of Fabillar, who is facing a string of murder cases in northern Negros.

The bounty was raised by concerned stakeholders and private individuals who wanted to hasten the manhunt against Fabillar and his group.

Fabillar, who goes by the aliases “Arnel Tapang,” “Jhong,” and “Nono,” is believed to be in his 30s.

He was identified as the main suspect behind the series of killings in Calatrava, including village chief Benjamin Javoc of Barangay Lalong, and Renato Estrebillo and Rodel Nobleza of Barangay Marcelo over the past several years.

Fabillar was also linked to the death of councilman Benito Hubahib of Barangay Cambayobo.

For three years cash has been offered for information leading to his arrest and no one has stepped up. Why is that? Is he being protected? Either way Roger Fabillar is a leader which is a position the AFP claims does not exist. 

During a clash that left one AFP solider dead a notebook was found which shed much light on the recent goings-on of the NPA.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/05/what-the-military-discovered-in-a-journal-found-after-deadly-npa-clash-in-occidental-mindoro

A handwritten journal recovered after a deadly encounter between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) fighters in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro last week offered a rare and unfiltered look into the life inside the armed group, the military said.

In a statement late Saturday, April 4, the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) said the notebook, believed to belong to Charlize Cameron “Ka Kaye” Garzon, an alleged rebel captured by the troops, was among items seized by the troops during the March 29 encounter in Sitio Salafay, Barangay Monteclaro.

The encounter killed Captain Dean Buen Oyando and wounded two other soldiers.

“The entries recovered from the encounter site provide a clearer picture of involvement within the organization. The writings describe operational procedures, experiences within the group, and even ideological reflections, which strongly contradict attempts to portray them as just someone merely observing or conducting cultural work,” said 2ID spokesperson Colonel Michael Aquino.

According to the military, the journal contained detailed notes on the NPA’s structure and also outlined internal roles and functions within the group.

The entries described tactics and procedures as well as instructions on how to maneuver during operations and what to do during armed encounters or in case of arrest, it added.

One directive stood out and it was that members were told to deny involvement if captured, the military noted.

Interwoven with the notes were personal accounts of daily life in the mountains. Garzon allegedly wrote about meals and routine activities, and described the first time she supposedly carried a rifle, where she also expressed fear of combat.

Some entries reflected exhaustion, and Garzon also allegedly wrote about missing city comforts. One note mentioned wanting to leave the mountains after long periods without a proper bath.

The journal also documented a March 24 encounter in Sitio Danlog, Barangay Monteclaro, also in San Jose town, where the entry read: “No march or rally can prepare you for trekking in the mountains,” the military detailed.

Further, the military said that the writings appeared to reflect the process of recruiting members of the armed struggle from various sectors, including the youth.

In one passage, Garzon allegedly assessed the weaknesses in their activities: “We need to raise our revolutionary initiative.”

The notebook also contained sketches, including drawings of personal belongings and maps of temporary camps. The maps showed sleeping quarters, kitchen areas, and other sections. They illustrated how units moved and set up makeshift encampments.

Aquino said the materials provide insight into how new members are absorbed into the movement.

“The details contained in the notebook reflect aspects of life and activities within the armed group that are difficult to dispute. These materials speak for themselves,” he stated.

Garzon was captured a few meters from where Oyando fell and she now faces a murder charge in connection with the incident.

Despite the circumstances, troops provided her first aid at the scene and she was later brought in for medical treatment while under government custody.

Aside from the journal, recovered from the encounter site were an M16 rifle, a hand grenade, improvised explosive device (IED) components, and other personal belongings of Garzon.

Meanwhile, the mother of Garzon called out the military for releasing her photos during a recent visit.

In a social media post, Mayi Garzon accused the troops of violating the Data Privacy Act when the 203rd Infantry Brigade and 2ID released her daughter’s photos showing she was being subjected to a psychological examination, reading a Bible, and interacting with the troops.

“On the first page of my logbook, I highlighted Republic Act 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012, so I know it very well!!,” a post on her Facebook account read.

The Manila Bulletin reached out to the Garzon matriarch about the journal supposedly owned by her daughter, and will publish her side once available.

Garzon’s family and friends also denied she was a rebel and insisted she was a “cultural worker” and an activist.

Earlier, human rights group Karapatan demanded Garzon’s release from the custody of the military, saying her arrest was “illegal.” But the 2ID said Garzon was a primary suspect in the death of Captain Oyando and wounding of two other troopers.

That is a very interesting find which seems to contradict everything the APF has been saying. Namely the NPA is very active, continues to be able to recruit, and has leadership. The NPA is not a spent force nor have they been defeated.

This same encounter revealed handwritten notes which showed the NPA's plans to integrate foreigners. This is from the diary of Cristina Paison, a Fil-Am. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/08/npa-eyeing-foreign-fighters-says-military

The military disclosed that the New People’s Army (NPA) plans to integrate foreign recruits into their ranks, handwritten notes found during the March 29 encounter in Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro said.

The Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command said these were recovered by troops from the 2nd Infantry Division. They appeared to be diary-style entries written in fluent English, with timestamps beginning as early as March 11, and documented the daily experiences of a person staying with the communist rebels.

A checklist of items needed for movement in rugged terrain was listed. One entry mentioned a plan after the writer’s stay in the mountains, including “explore alternative routes around Taft.” 

Some passages were reflections about life in the armed movement. One entry said: “In the countryside, you aren’t nearly bossed down ideologically. The forces of imperialism are weaker in a sense. Everyone’s clear-sighted, clear-minded. The objective is right there: To triumph over the enemy.”

The entries were written in conversational English, suggesting the writer may have been accustomed to using the language in daily communication, the military said.

Chantal Anicoche, a Filipino-American who was rescued by troops days after a gun battle on Jan. 1 in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, disclosed that she traveled to Mindoro together with another Filipino-American, Cristina Pasion. 

Anicoche said that they remained together in Mindoro until they were separated after the encounter. 

Pasion was expected to return to the United States on March 14 but did not appear for her departure at the airport.

The Buklod Kapayapaan Federation, a national organization composed of former rebels and peace advocates, identified Pasion as among the individuals involved in the encounter.

Capt. Dean Buen Oyando was killed and two soldiers were wounded in the March 29 gunfight.

An NPA amazon, Charleze Garzon, was found near the body of Oyando. She was taken into government custody. Garzon is facing a murder charge.

It's not clear from these released passages that Paison is anything more than an observer as Chantal Anicoche. It is also not clear how she hooked up with this group. The Army claims she is distressed and has demanded the NPA release her. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1272564

The Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) on Wednesday called on the New People's Army (NPA) to immediately free Filipino-American citizen Cristina Pasion, who is believed to be with the insurgents in Occidental Mindoro.

2ID public affairs office chief Col. Michael Aquino made the appeal to the rebel group after soldiers recovered handwritten notes believed to be written by Pasion, which show signs of emotional distress.

“The writings, believed to have been authored by her, raise serious concerns about her well-being, and we hope that those currently with her will recognize that no cause should come at the cost of a person’s life and mental health,” he added.

Aquino emphasized that the appeal is based on humanitarian concern.

“If she wishes to leave the armed movement and return home, she should be allowed to do so. Everyone deserves the opportunity to step away from conflict and rebuild their life,” he added.

Aquino also reiterated the 2ID's call for the remaining members of the armed group to abandon the path of violence.

“The 2nd Infantry Division reiterates its call for the few remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and surrender to the fold of the law, where they can rebuild their lives anew with their families,” he added.

He also called on Pasion's family to help encourage her return to the United States and move forward with her life.

Government forces recovered the handwritten notes shortly after the March 29 clash with NPA members in Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

The encounter resulted in the death of Army officer Capt. Dean Buen Oyando and the wounding of two other soldiers.

After the incident, Charlize Garzon was found a few meters from the lifeless body of Oyando and was subsequently taken into custody. Garzon is now facing a murder charge and two counts of homicide in connection with the incident.

Among the materials previously recovered from the area were notebooks and other personal writings believed to have been left behind by fleeing members of the armed group during the incident.

"Among the diary-style entries were notes written in fluent English describing personal experiences while staying in the mountains. One of these entries is believed to have been written by Cristina Pasion, based on the conversational tone of the notes and information from individuals who were previously with her," the 2ID said.

In the entry, the writer stated, “I feel like everyone is playing mind games. There is this urge to leave everything behind and start from scratch. Begin with a clean slate. No more complicated bull****.”

Another line in the same set of notes reads, “Everything is time sensitive. Please f****** kill me right now.”

The 2ID expressed concern that the tone of the entries suggests that the author may be experiencing significant emotional strain while staying with the armed group.

Available information also indicates that Pasion, who has been identified as a member of Migrante International, was seen together with Filipino-American Chantal Anicoche before their trip to Mindoro.

Reports further indicate that the two were together during their stay on the island until they were separated during the Jan. 1 incident in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, where government troops clashed with NPA members.

Further information indicates that Pasion was expected to return to the United States on March 14, but failed to appear for her scheduled departure at the airport.

If these girls and others are being recruited through groups in the USA then the Philippines State Department should be working with the US State Department to root them out and dismantle them. 

Despite claiming the NPA is leaderless and unable to recruit the NTF-ELCAC is instructing the public to reject communism and recruitment into the CPP-NPA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1272019

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Sunday urged Filipinos to reject recruitment calls of the New People's Army (NPA) and shun their continued acts of violence.

NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., in a statement, said there is nothing worth celebrating in a movement built on decades of violence and deception, as the insurgent group observes its 57th founding anniversary.

“For 57 years, what has been offered is not liberation, but bloodshed -- violence disguised as ideology and a struggle that has only deepened poverty and suffering,” he added.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was established on March 29, 1969 by CPP founder Jose Maria Sison and former members of the Hukbalahap (Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon or People's Army Against Japan), led by Bernabe Buscayno.

“There is nothing to celebrate in a movement that thrives on fear and exploits the very people it claims to serve,” he said.

Torres said the legacy of the insurgency is written not in victories, but in lost lives, broken families and communities held hostage by intimidation and false promises.

Torres said there is ongoing "decisive and irreversible shift on the ground" against the NPA remnants as former rebels lay down their arms and reconnect with their families.

“Across the country, from the farthest barangays to our urban centers, Filipinos are choosing peace -- freely, consciously, and in growing numbers,” he added.

Data from the National Amnesty Commission show 16,003 applications, far exceeding the initial projection of 10,000.

Of these, 13,633 were actual combatants and supporters of the armed struggle under the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front.

Their applications were received before the March 13 deadline. Torres said such developments are not isolated gains but “clear, measurable signs” that the decades-long insurgency is nearing its end.

“This is no longer just a security campaign. This is a whole-of-nation movement anchored on truth, justice, and genuine opportunity,” he added.

However, he urged Filipinos not to be complacent as the threat has evolved, shifting from the battlefield to more insidious forms of recruitment, particularly among the youth.

“For decades, recruitment has not begun with armed struggle, but with manipulation -- through misinformation, emotional coercion and the systematic erosion of critical thinking. These are the hallmarks of terrorist grooming,” he said.

He does not say what these "more insidious forms of recruitment" which makes this warning useless. 

Insurgency: Abandon Insurgency This Lent

The 57th anniversary of the founding of the NPA has come and gone. One celebration in Occidental Mindoro was interrupted by the blazing guns of the AFP.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/30/soldier-killed-rebel-captured-as-troops-disrupt-npa-anniversary-in-occidental-mindoro

A pursuit operation against the New People’s Army (NPA) on the group's 57th founding anniversary turned deadly on Sunday, March 29, resulting in the death of a young Philippine Army (PA) officer and the capture of an insurgent in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

The encounter occurred at Sitio Salafay in Barangay Monteclaro as troops from the 68th Infantry “Kaagapay” Battalion tracked approximately 15 armed rebels, said Col. Michael Aquino, spokesperson of the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID).

The firefight lasted 20 minutes before the rebels retreated, but an Army trooper, identified as Captain Dean Buen Oyando, was killed in action while leading his men during the pursuit.

Two other soldiers were wounded in the engagement, including an injured personnel who had to be evacuated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in Quezon City for specialized treatment.

Meanwhile, a female NPA combatant with an M16 rifle was captured by the troops after she was allegedly abandoned by her comrades. Soldiers also recovered a hand grenade and components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at the encounter site.

“1st Lieutenant Dean Oyando embodied the courage and dedication of the Filipino soldier. His ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace strengthens our resolve to continue the mission he bravely carried out—to protect our communities and secure lasting peace in our area of responsibility,” Aquino said.

The Sunday clash, which coincided with the anniversary of the NPA, founded on March 29, 1969, was not an isolated incident in the area as the same military unit engaged the same rebel group in Barangay Monteclaro on March 24.

That previous encounter led to the recovery of a firearm and the discovery of bloodstains, which indicated casualties among the fleeing rebels.

“This is a main disruption to their plans as they have been pummeled on their anniversary celebration. We are seeing that their ability to operate is being steadily reduced, they continue to lose ground as our operations intensify,” Aquino said.

The 2ID said that the focus remains on preventing the insurgents from regrouping in the province, hence the has intensified its footprint in Mindoro to dismantle remaining guerrilla fronts.

“Our continuous operations have undeniably disrupted the armed group’s movements and significantly diminished their capabilities. The terrorist NPA cannot hide from the long arms of the government as we build on the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen comrade and continue to apply the full force of the command to prevent them from regrouping,” Aquino added.

The military urged local residents to remain vigilant as pursuit operations continue in the mountainous areas of San Jose.

“We encourage the public to stay alert and to coordinate with local authorities in reporting any information that may help in our operations,” Aquino said.

Wow! The AFP fought 15 rebels, captured one, and lost one man in combat. That means 14 heavily armed and dangerous rebels were able to escape. Perhaps the captured rebel will lead the AFP to their lair. 

AFP Chief Brawner says the sacrifice made by Captain Dean Buen Oyando will amount to nothing if there is no nation-building. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/30/afp-chief-soldiers-sacrifice-is-meaningless-without-nation-building

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) must look beyond traditional combat to ensure their sacrifices lead to a future where Filipinos live with dignity.

AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. issued this challenge to military and civilian personnel during the flag-raising ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday, March 30, as the country observes the Holy Week.

“This Holy Week, we are reminded that sacrifice has meaning only when it leads to something greater,” Brawner said.

The military chief noted that the observance of Holy Week offers a moment for solemn reflection.

He emphasized that it is also a time for reaffirming the AFP’s mission beyond security operations as the military continues its shift from internal security to external defense, while simultaneously maintaining a presence in disaster response and community development across the archipelago.

“We are called not only to confront threats but also to protect the peace that allows our people to live, work, and hope for a better future,” Brawner stated.

The AFP chief highlighted how the Lenten theme of sacrifice mirrors the soldier's oath, asserting that such devotion is meaningful only when it serves the higher purpose of safeguarding the nation's well-being and its people.

Under Brawner's leadership, the AFP has increasingly focused on “unity” as a pillar for professionalizing the ranks and strengthening territorial integrity.

The general reminded the troops that their duty extends to the very foundations of the country’s society, urging them to reflect on the deeper meaning of service and sacrifice.

“Because in the end, the mission is not only to defeat threats—it is to build a nation where every Filipino can live in peace, with dignity, and with a future they can believe in,” Brawner said.

What the heck? The CPP-NPA has repeatedly said they do not want unity. They do not want to surrender.  There is also no peace deal without the CASER agreement which the Philippine government will in no way implement. Instead it's a war of attrition getting singular rebels and their supporters to surrender or die in combat. Notbaly there are more supporters than actual NPA rebels as attested to by neutralization accounts and the estimated total number of reaming NPA rebels. 

Chief Brawner ties the battle with the religious imagery of Holy Week which might affect the troops but communism is atheistic. Nevertheless the Army is urging the NPA to reflect on Lent and fast from rebellion. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1272086

The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) has called on remaining members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) to reflect during Holy Week and consider abandoning their armed struggle in favor of peace.

In a statement on Monday, the 8ID stated that the path of armed conflict leads to isolation and loss, while choosing peace creates opportunities for reconciliation, stability and a more meaningful future.

“We defend our communities from threats of violence so that peace and development may prevail,” the 8ID said, stressing that this principle continues to guide its efforts to protect the people and secure communities.

As the country observes Holy Week, the Army in Eastern Visayas said it stands in solidarity with peace-loving Filipinos in promoting a society anchored on justice, compassion and lasting peace.

The 8ID reiterated its condemnation of alleged atrocities committed by the NPA, including extortion, intimidation, recruitment of minors and violence that have affected communities for decades.

“Far from liberating the people, their so-called struggle has brought destruction, fear, and disruption to livelihoods in many barangays,” the statement read.

The 8ID emphasized that armed struggle is “futile and self-defeating,” pointing to ongoing military operations and nationwide efforts that have diminished communist terrorist group forces and their influence in Eastern Visayas.

It added that these developments reflect not only operational gains but also the growing rejection of violence by communities.

The 8ID also highlighted the transformation of former rebels who have returned to the fold of the law through government reintegration programs.

No doubt this plea will fall on deaf ears. 

Two alleged rebels masquerading as activists were arrested by the police and military. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2206027/2-activists-tagged-as-communist-rebels-arrested-in-iloilo-town

Two elderly women activists, one tagged by authorities as a communist rebel, were arrested in a joint police and military operation in Barangay Aganan of Pavia town, Iloilo on Maundy Thursday, April 2.

A press release by the Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6) identified the suspected rebel only as “Dhaday” or “Gie,” 64, allegedly a member of the Panay regional committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

She was arrested by virtue of a warrant for rebellion issued on June 28, 2012, by the Regional Trial Court Branch 21 in Mambusao, Capiz, with a recommended bail of P40,000. 

An associate, whom the police only identified as “Luing,” was arrested for obstruction of justice after allegedly interfering with the police operation in a house in Aganan.

Police added that “Dhaday” was also found in possession of materials used for making improvised explosive devices, which constitutes a violation of Republic Act No. 9516, or the law penalizing illegal possession of explosives. 

An hour before the police issued a press release, Panay Alliance Karapatan confirmed the arrests and identified the arrested personalities as Josephine Porquia, 64, and Ma. Luisa Guillen, 62.

Porquia is the wife of Jose Reynaldo “Jory” Porquia, a former coordinator for the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) in Panay Island, who was slain in 2020 in the midst of aid work during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Meanwhile, Guillen, a member of progressive group Gabriela, is the mother of lawyer Angelo Karlo Guillen, who was attacked by unidentified persons in 2021 while serving as counsel to Tumandok detainees from Iloilo and Capiz. 

The attack on the younger Guillen was the match that lit the escalated calls for protection of lawyers and judges across the country that year. 

Panay Alliance Karapatan quickly condemned the arrests, noting the timing during Maundy Thursday and the continued targeting of human rights and development workers across the Western Visayas region and the rest of the country. 

“Their arrest during the solemn observance of Lent reflects the continuing injustice faced by those who stand with the poor and oppressed. Like the biblical betrayal and injustice symbolized by Judas and Barabbas, these actions expose the moral bankruptcy of a system that persecutes those who serve the people,” the group said. 

“These arrests are not isolated incidents but form part of a broader pattern of arbitrary arrests against human rights and development workers, in which trumped-up charges, irregular police operations, and violations of due process are repeatedly used to legitimize unlawful detention and suppress legitimate dissent and community work,” they added. 

The operation was carried out by the Pavia Municipal Police Station tracker team with support from the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Iloilo Provincial Police Office, the 62nd Special Action Company of the PNP Special Action Force, the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade, and the Passi City Police Station. 

As of this writing, the two are currently under the custody of the Pavia Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.

Note how Panay Alliance Karapatan has turned on its head the Army's use of Lent as a time to reflect and surrender. The alliance says they stand with the poor  and oppressed while the government is a Judas betraying the people's trust. It's not clear why they brought up Barabbas as he was not a traitor but a murderer who Pilate set free in place of Christ. 

Insurgency: Holy Week Peace Drive

 Another region has been declared insurgency free. This time it is the Cagayan Valley. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/25/council-declares-region-2-insurgency-free

Cagayan Valley was formally declared insurgency-free during a meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) at the provincial capitol here on Tuesday, March 24.

The RPOC led by chairperson and Cagayan Gov. Edgar B. Aglipay approved a resolution affirming the declaration which was called a major milestone in the government’s campaign to end local communist armed conflict.

Aglipay said the region is now under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS), signifying sustained peace, improved security conditions, and strengthened governance across all provinces in Cagayan Valley.

The governor emphasized that the declaration is the result of unified and sustained efforts among government agencies, security forces, local government units, and communities under the whole-of-nation approach.

“This declaration is the result of the collective action of various sectors—from the government, the police, and the military, to local governments and citizens—to finally put an end to the threat of insurgency in our region,” Aglipay said.

He recognized the dedication and sacrifices of the security sector, noting that their continued vigilance and commitment have been instrumental in maintaining peace and protecting communities from threats posed by communist terrorist groups.

The RPOC said the declaration indicates the absence of active armed threats in affected areas. The SSIPS status affirms that peace in the region is not merely temporary but is being sustained through effective governance, ongoing development initiatives, and active public participation.

Aglipay said that the RPOC will intensify collaboration among member-agencies to ensure the effective implementation of strategies aimed at addressing other forms of criminality and sustaining long-term peace and development in Cagayan Valley. 

"The declaration indicates the absence of active armed threats in affected areas." Interesting. Note that it does not mean the absence of actual NPA combatants. 

In Negros three top NPA remnants fell in a recent clash. The Army says that is justice for their victims. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1271587

The death of three ranking New People's Army (NPA) remnants in Negros Island has brought justice to the victims of summary executions in southern Negros, the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) declared on Monday.

“Justice has prevailed with the neutralization of these ranking remnants who were behind the brutal killings of civilians in Negros," 3ID commander Maj. Gen. Michael Samson said in a statement.

Part of the NPA's Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros dismantled Southwest Front and Regional Striking Force (RSF), they died in a firefight with troops of the 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Tampalon, Kabankalan City, on March 21.

RSF vice commander Ritchell "Ka Makoy," 26, was a resident of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, who was deployed to the Southwest Front in 2025.

Milky “Ka Gorting” Sampini, 29, RSF finance and logistics officer, of Lamugong, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental, was a red fighter since 2016.

Joedil “Ka Cairo" Balsimo, 21, of Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, was a squad leader of RSF, who joined the NPA in southern Negros in 2023.

Their remains were brought to the Sola Gracia Funeral Homes in Kabankalan City for documentation and coordination with their respective families, the 3ID report said.

The three NPA remnants were identified by the 302nd Infantry Brigade as among the perpetrators in the series of civilian killings in Negros Island.

One of the victims, Leonora Anguit, 74, who was tagged as a military informant, was executed by rebels near her home in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, on Feb. 3 this year, an act admitted by the NPA in a statement.  

According to reports, the house of Anguit was occupied by the seven NPA remnants who were killed in a clash with soldiers in April last year.

After the encounter in Sitio Santol over the weekend, the 47IB troops recovered five high-powered firearms – one R4 rifle, two M16 rifles, and two M203 grenade launchers – as well as a hand grenade, personal items, and subversive documents. 

If death is justice then what is amnesty??

In Suirgao Sur a clash left two NPA rebels dead. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1271526

Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed in an encounter that occurred on Sunday afternoon in the periphery of Barangay Nurcia, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, the military here said.

“Troops from the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) were conducting a security operation in the area when the encounter happened,” the 401st Infantry Brigade (401st IBde) said in a statement on Monday.

The operation was launched after residents reported the presence of NPA rebels in the area, particularly the remnants of Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Westland under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Following the firefight, the NPA rebels abandoned their position, leaving behind their two dead comrades, who were later identified as Ka Rex and Ka Bunso.

The 36IB troopers also recovered four high-powered firearms from the encounter site.

“After the clash, troops immediately secured the area to ensure the safety of nearby communities and prevent further threats,” Col. Glenn Joy Aynera, the 401st IBde commander, said in the same statement.

Pursuit operations are ongoing to track down the NPA remnants who are on the run following the encounter.

But there were other rebels besides the two dead. How many were there? The article does not say. Over all operations during March in Surigao Sur have depleted the NPA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1271938

A series of military operations this month dealt major setbacks to the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Caraga Region, particularly in Surigao del Sur, with government forces recovering 14 high-powered firearms, ammunition and other war materials.

This month’s ongoing operations also led to the deaths of two NPA rebels and the surrender of two others.

“This is the result of the combined efforts of the military, local government units and civilians in our communities through the effective implementation of the whole-of-nation approach,” Capt. Melvin Dela Calzada, operations officer of the Philippine Army’s 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, said Friday.

He said Army battalions in Caraga have built strong ties with communities, including civilians who once supported the rebel movement.

“The issues once used by the NPA in recruiting civilians and influencing our communities have been addressed by the government through the whole-of-nation approach,” Dela Calzada said.

He added that through civil-military operations, the Army has identified community concerns and referred them to government agencies and local governments for immediate action.

“The NPA rebels could no longer exploit the issues and concerns since these are already addressed by the government,” he said.

On March 24, the 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) under the 401st Infantry Brigade recovered three high-powered firearms in Barangay Bitaugan, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. The cache included a Czech VZ rifle and two Carbine rifles.

On March 22, two NPA rebels were killed in a clash with government troopers in Barangay Nurcia, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. Four high-powered firearms and ammunition were recovered after the encounter, which stemmed from reports of rebels conducting extortion activities.

On March 21, two NPA rebels surrendered to the 36IB headquarters, bringing with them two high-powered firearms.

Also, on March 13, troops from the 30IB uncovered four high-powered firearms in Barangay Carromata, San Miguel, comprising three M16A1 rifles, one M4 rifle and 173 rounds of assorted ammunition.

Two days earlier, 30IB troopers also recovered an R4 rifle with ammunition in Barangay Carromata.

Meanwhile, the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in Butuan City said that as of March 26, a total of 155 former rebels from Agusan del Norte have been issued safe conduct passes (SCPs).

To date, the LAB-Butuan has received 556 SCP applications, including 232 filed this year, with 169 still being processed.

That is only four rebels neutralized in the area. How many remain?

The NTF-ELCAC is engaging with academe concerning NPA recruitment. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1270991

A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Friday said the body will continue engaging with universities and the academe to inform and educate students on the realities of insurgency and recruitment of young people.

"The NTF-ELCAC will never tire in engaging academic institutions with respect and openness, even as passionate students misconstrue or even intentionally misrepresent our intentions. Our shared objective is to ensure that Filipino youth are equipped with truth, critical thinking, and opportunity, not drawn into conflicts that only prolong suffering and division," said Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., NTF-ELCAC executive director.

This is needed as the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing New People’s Army (NPA) and national democratic organizations have invested significant effort in organizing and recruiting within major universities and schools across the country, the NTF-ELCAC official stressed.

"This is not a claim invented out of thin air, as it is a historical reality acknowledged by former members, even by the movement itself. It is not the fault or failing of these schools that a few of their students started as well-intentioned activists later became armed insurgents," he added.

Torres said many former rebels, who now work in peace-building, recounted how their political journeys began inside campuses where narratives romanticized armed struggle while downplaying its human cost.

Likewise, the NTF-ELCAC official called on universities across the country to raise the level of discourse on insurgency, youth recruitment, and academic freedom, stressing that honest and responsible debate — not propaganda or slogans — must guide discussions in campuses if the nation is to achieve just peace and genuine nation-building.

Torres made this request after noting that recent social media debates triggered by a forum held last year at the University of Santo Tomas highlighted the continuing tension between academic freedom and the need to openly confront the realities of insurgency and the recruitment of young people into armed struggle.

“Universities have always been spaces where ideas collide. Here, convictions are tested and difficult national questions are debated. Our aim should always be to elevate discourse in ways that promote peace and academic freedom while steering conversations away from propaganda and toward just peace and nation-building,” he said.

He also added that individuals who speak about insurgency and youth recruitment —particularly former rebels and scholars with firsthand knowledge — should not automatically be dismissed as enemies of academic freedom.

“Many of those who speak candidly about these matters do so precisely because they have witnessed how young lives can be drawn into cycles of violence through ideological manipulation or what can be described as terror grooming,” he said.

Torres also added that professors and resource persons who raise these concerns deserve to be heard even when their views are strongly contested.

“Passionate debates are part of university life. But the manner in which we engage each other—whether with respect or dismissal—ultimately determines whether dialogue enlightens or divides," he added.

So, the NPA is strategically defeated, the amnesty program is a big blow to them, remaining rebels are beginning to see the light and surrender, yet the NPA is still able to recruit? How is this possible? 

The NTF-ELCAC is also seeking to insert its propaganda into Holy Week sermons. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1271638

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is urging churches, civil society groups, and government agencies to promote peace, reconciliation, and unity as the country observes Holy Week.

Speaking on the sidelines of a two-day major island action planning workshop for Northern and Central Luzon on Tuesday, NTF-ELCAC Strategic Communications head Rodrigo Lutao said the call for peace is rooted in both faith and national development.

"The true cost of violence is borne not on battlefields alone, but in homes, schools, markets, and places of worship – where innocent people simply seek to live in peace. Holy Week calls us to reflect on suffering, but also on the hope that suffering can lead to renewal," Lutao said.

He said NTF-ELCAC continues to push its peace advocacy, especially during Holy Week, a period of reflection for Filipinos.

Lutao added that biblical teachings underscore respect for authority and unity.

"The Bible verses are very significant in shaping our understanding of peace and security in the Philippines, especially today," he said.

He emphasized that the task force, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., remains committed to promoting peace and security nationwide, noting that stability is key to economic progress.

"For many years, our nation has endured the painful consequences of violence and terrorism. It is often our ordinary citizens who have paid the heaviest price – families torn apart, communities displaced, livelihoods destroyed, and innocent lives lost. Mothers and fathers have buried their children. Children have grown up amid fear and uncertainty. Entire communities have struggled to rebuild after the devastation left by acts of terror. On this solemn day, we remember these suffering communities," Lutao said.

He added that nation-building requires unity, cooperation, and respect for institutions that uphold the rule of law, calling on Filipinos to work together in addressing the root causes of violence.

"For peace is not merely the absence of conflict – it is the presence of justice, compassion, and solidarity," Lutao said.

In a message to participants, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong said the government’s approach to peace and order has evolved from the 1980s, when efforts were largely focused on security operations and psychological operations.

"Our fighters from (the) communist movement are now almost decimated, so we have to change strategy, not just on the operation plan and psy-ops. The best way is (to) inform the public of the truth. The truth hurts, but it is the truth," Magalong said.

Holy Week is all about the crucifxion of Christ. How about they save the politics for another day?

Insurgency: A Quiet Victory

The deadline for the amnesty program has come and gone. Over 11,000 former communist rebels have applied. At least that is the number as of 5 p.m. on March 13th. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1271101

The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) has received over 11,000 amnesty applications coming from former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

These figures are as of 5 p.m. of March 13, the deadline for application for former NPAs, the agency said in a statement Sunday night.

The NAC said these 11,000 applications from the CPP-NPA-NDF accounted for more than 80 percent total applications for all groups covered by the amnesty program.

Groups covered by the government amnesty program include the NPAs, Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas–Revolutionary Proletarian Army–Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Deadline for application for the RPMP-RPA-ABB, MILF and MNLF was on March 4.

"As the application period closes, the NAC emphasized that the amnesty program remains an important component of the national government’s peacebuilding agenda, providing former rebels with an opportunity to reintegrate into mainstream society," it said.

The NAC received a total of 13,630 applications from all these groups, surpassing the initial target of 10,000.

The final tally of the overall applications received by the NAC will be released once all submissions have been processed.

The total for all groups who applied is 13,630. Remember, that is the number of applicants on the day of the deadline, March 13th. 

The very next day, March 14th, the number of applicants increased to 16,003.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1271294

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the high turnout of applicants for the government's amnesty program showcases the determination of former rebels and combatants to start a new life and trust in the government.

"(This high turnout) is a testament to their determination to start a new chapter in their lives, as well as shows their full trust and confidence in the national government,” he said in a statement Tuesday night.

A total of 16,003 former rebels and combatants have availed themselves of the national government’s amnesty program as of March 14, marking another major milestone under the comprehensive Philippine peace process.

Data from the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) show that the majority of the applicants –

13,633 – are former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and their front organizations.

Their applications were received before the March 13 deadline set for the group. In the meantime, 1,240 applicants came from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), while the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) had 646.

Another 484 applications were submitted by members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa - Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army - Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA-ABB) who now call themselves the Kapatiran.

The deadline for the MILF, MNLF, and RPM-P/RPA-ABB applicants was set earlier on March 4.

“This milestone reflects the desire of these former combatants to turn away from decades of armed struggle, embrace peace, and rebuild their lives,” Galvez said.

He added that the Amnesty Program is a cornerstone of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 's administration's peace agenda, which aims to complement all signed peace agreements and ongoing Normalization and Transformation Programs, particularly in Mindanao.

“The sheer number of applications demonstrates trust in the government, trust in the peace process, and trust that former rebels and combatants have a chance to build communities,” Galvez said.

13,633 of those applicants were former CPP-NPA members. Their applications were received BEFORE the March 13th deadline. So, why was it reported on March 13th that only 11,000 CPP-NPA members had applied if their applications were received before that date? Processing lag?

The NTF-ELCAC says this is a quiet" but decisive victory" for the government. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1271371

A ranking official from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday described the government's amnesty program as a "quiet but decisive victory for peace".

“The numbers speak for themselves. This is not failure—this is a quiet but decisive victory for peace,” NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement.

Citing figures provided by the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), he said the amnesty program has already received 16,003 applications, far exceeding the initial projection of 10,000.

Of these, 13,633 were actual combatants and supporters of the armed struggle under the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Their applications were received before the March 13 deadline set for the group.

In the meantime, 1,240 applicants came from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), while the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) had 646.

Another 484 applications were submitted by members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa–Pilipinas / Revolutionary Proletarian Army–Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA-ABB) who now call themselves the Kapatiran.

The deadline for MILF, MNLF, and RPM-P/RPA-ABB applicants was set earlier on March 4.

Torres said that this proves that the amnesty program is a resounding success and has prompted authorities to push for its continuation for another two years, or until 2028, as more applicants are expected in the coming months.

He added that this "overwhelming response" to the program underscores a decisive shift on the ground as former CPP-NPA-CDF members are now choosing peace over armed struggle.

For her part, NAC chairperson, lawyer Leah Tanodra-Armamento affirmed that the surge in applications reflects growing trust in the process, as former rebels realize they can pursue their advocacies without violence and without endangering their families.

“We received a total of 16,003 applications—far exceeding expectations. This shows that more and more are choosing peace and lawful engagement over armed struggle,” Armamento said.

Amid the surge in applications, Armamento disclosed that an extension of the amnesty period—originally set to lapse under Executive Order No. 47—is now in motion, with a recommendation from the Executive Committee, NTF-ELCAC and awaiting the President’s approval and signature.

“We are inviting everyone—even though the application period was supposed to have ended, we now have a recommendation for extension which is awaiting the President’s signature,” she added.

The extension will cover another two years, up to 2028, through another proclamation aligned with the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term, ensuring continuity without the need for a yearly congressional concurrence. “In the meantime, we continue to accept applications and mark them as provisionally accepted,” Armamento added.

The NAC chief also highlighted the government’s “Aftercare for Grantees of Amnesty” program, which provides a comprehensive pathway for reintegration, including the dismissal of pending cases and the clearing of records from the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police. “This is not just amnesty—it is a real second chance,” she said.

Armamento noted that the program has already uncovered cases where applicants had multiple pending charges they were unaware of—one even having as many as 80—which are now being addressed through government support mechanisms.

Meanwhile, Torres said the CPP’s attempts to discredit the program reveal its growing desperation as it struggles to contain the steady exodus of its members.

“This is what the CPP fears—the truth that their own members are leaving, choosing dignity, stability, and a brighter future with their families,” Torres said.

“Unable to stop the departures, they resort to delegitimizing those who choose peace and dismissing their testimonies. But these are sworn statements, validated through due process, and they expose the reality of life inside the armed movement," he added.

Torres emphasized that the success of the amnesty program goes hand in hand with the government’s broader peace and development initiatives, particularly the Barangay Development Program, which delivers infrastructure and basic services to conflict-affected communities. 

Ok, so 13,633 were supporters and actual combatants. How many were actual former combatants? That breakdown is important and as has been shown on this blog previously, the government does not make the distinction when reporting surrenders and neutralizations. 

The NTF-ELCAC also says the CPP's badmouthing of the amnesty program is a diversionary tactic to cover up its slow demise. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1271315

A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Wednesday said it is now standard practice for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to badmouth government programs designed for its former members to hide their declining influence.

NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., in a statement, made this comment after the CPP has once again attempted to discredit the government’s amnesty program by labeling it an “epic fail.”

And in making this claim, Torres said the CPP highlighted its growing desperation as its members and supporters continue to choose peace over violence.

"The Amnesty Program is a voluntary, lawful process. No one is forced to apply—individuals come forward on their own, acknowledge past involvement, and submit to a verified legal process. If this program were truly a failure, there would be no applicants. Yet thousands have stepped forward nationwide, embracing peace and reintegration," he added.

Data coming from the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) showed that a total of 13,633 former members and supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) have availed of the Amnesty Program within the March 13 deadline.

Unable to deny these facts, Torres said the CPP resorted to familiar tactics like delegitimizing those who choose peace and dismissing their testimonies.

"Former rebels have provided sworn statements detailing their roles within the CPP-NPA—accounts that withstand scrutiny and contradict the CPP’s narrative," he added.

Torres also said the amnesty process also reveals that more and more former CPP-NPA are choosing peace, dignity and a future with their families.

"At its core, the CPP’s criticism is a defensive reaction to its own declining influence. The Amnesty Program provides what the armed movement fears most—a lawful and dignified exit for those who no longer believe in violence," Torres said.

"What the CPP dismisses as failure is in fact a quiet victory: the steady return of Filipinos to their communities, and the government’s unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and inclusive development," he added.

Torres said the real “epic fail” is not the desire for peace but the CPP’s outdated and violent ideology.

The NTF-ELCAC official also took this opportunity to dismiss the CPP's claims that development programs like the Barangay Development Program (BDP) are tools of corruption.

"In reality, the BDP delivers tangible progress—roads, schools, water systems, electricity, and livelihoods—to long-neglected communities. These are not sources of corruption but instruments of genuine change, implemented through transparent government processes," he added.

Here is the CPP's statement in full.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/marcos-sham-amnesty-program-is-an-epic-fail-cpp/

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today said the two-year amnesty application of the Marcos government and its so-called National Amnesty Commission (NAC) is an epic failure, and nothing more but a hollow public spectacle. The NAC concluded its amnesty application period yesterday, March 13, claiming to have received thousands of applications from “former rebels and supporters” of the revolutionary movement.

“Marcos’ amnesty program failed to deceive the Party, the masses and their revolutionary forces,” said Marco L. Valbuena, the Party’s Chief Information Officer. He lambasted the NAC’s figures asserting that most of the supposed applicants were ordinary peasants and poor civilians deceived and coerced into surrendering and applying for amnesty.

Valbuena added that only a handful of “counterrevolutionary traitors,” who now serve as collaborators of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Task Force (NTF)-Elcac, took part in the program. “These renegade traitors are utterly despicable for accepting ‘amnesty’ from the fascists at the expense of betraying the national and democratic aspirations of the Filipino people and the memory of their martyrs,” he added.

Since Marcos’ issuance of Proclamation No. 404 in November 2023, the CPP has consistently rejected what it calls a fake and self-serving amnesty scheme. “The revolutionary movement remains determined to advance the armed struggle to end imperialist domination, tyranny, corruption, and oppression under the Marcos regime,” Valbuena affirmed.

He further noted that the government’s amnesty campaign, combined with its militarist approach, has failed to weaken the revolution’s resolve. “Genuine and lasting peace can only be achieved by addressing the roots of the armed conflict—widespread social injustice and the lack of genuine national sovereignty,” Valbuena stressed.

Valbuena also criticized the administration for turning the amnesty program into another source of corruption. The regime spent millions in public funds to establish so-called local amnesty boards. “In relation with this amnesty charade, hundreds of millions, if not a few billion pesos were allotted for unaudited “barangay development programs”, lining the pockets of bureaucrats and military officers,” he said.

“Marcos is mistaken in the belief that state terrorism can snuff out the people’s aspirations and kill their resistance,” Valbuena said. “Every day that military and police forces employ armed might, the more that people are roused to defend their rights and livelihood and driven to take up arms in resistance.”

He concluded that the amnesty program “ended up as nothing more than a useless piece of paper.”

Make of that what you will but when one report says 11,000 applied and other says 13,663 applied, and the government refuses to breakdown how many applicants were actual fighters and how many were mere supporters, Valbuena has a point. He also say the government "has failed to weaken the revolution’s resolve." That's why the fighting continues. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1271205

The Philippine Army has intensified its hunt against fleeing rebels in Northern Samar after Monday’s brief armed encounter with insurgents in the mountain of Gamay, Northern Samar.

The Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) has directed its units to continue pursuit operations to stop the armed group from engaging in further extortion and other illegal activities that could threaten communities in the province.

“The 8ID reaffirmed its commitment to sustain focused military operations while working closely with local government units, stakeholders, and communities to maintain peace and security in Eastern Visayas,” the Army said in a statement Tuesday.

The 8ID issued a statement after a firefight with 10 members of the communist New People’s Army in Barangay Lonoy, Gamay town on Monday. The encounter reportedly lasted about 5 minutes before the armed group retreated.

According to the military, the operation was launched after local farmers reported alleged extortion by suspected rebel members in nearby communities. Acting on this information, troops conducted verification and security operations to safeguard residents and address the reported threats.

After the encounter, government troops recovered a .45 caliber pistol, a short magazine for an M16 rifle, and several personal belongings believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing rebels.

The 8ID also reiterated their call for remaining NPA members to surrender and take advantage of the government’s reintegration and livelihood programs instead of continuing armed struggle.

Those rebels may be fleeing but they are definitely not surrendering. 

Meanwhile, in the BARMM, the MILF has temporarily suspended all peace engagements with the government. 

 https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/17/milf-temporarily-suspends-peace-engagements-with-govt

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has temporarily suspended all engagements related to the implementation of the peace agreement following the resignation of the government peace panel chief. 

In a statement, MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim urged the government to designate a duly mandated peace panel chairman, adding that the implementation of the peace agreement is supposed to be a “dance that was meant for two.” 

Ebrahim said the reported resignation of government peace panel chief Cesar Yano left a gaping hole in the implementation of the peace agreement at this very crucial stage in the transition period. 

“The importance of the MILF peace implementing panel's government counterpart cannot be countenanced. Hence, in the exercise of prudence, the MILF deems it appropriate to declare a temporary pause in several aspects of engagement under the peace implementation mechanisms until a full- fledged chairman of the GPH peace implementing panel is appointed,” he said.

With the resignation of Yano, the MILF peace implementing panel cannot negotiate and engage with a headless counterpart, the MILF chairman added. 

Peace implementation mechanisms may not be able to proceed as they were designed to function through officially mandated representatives of both parties, said Ebrahim.

The MILF peace panel has been chaired by Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal since 2003. 

“In the absence of a formally designated chair of the GPH peace implementing panel, the MILF finds itself unable to proceed with substantive engagements that require formal commitments and authoritative decisions,” Ebrahim said.

The MILF assured that the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group shall continue to function and address any infraction of tranquility on the ground.

Ebrahim added that this move is for the protection of the fragile peace and security already achieved. 

“On the side of the MILF peace mechanisms led by the MILF peace implementing panel, it shall continue to engage local, national, and international friends of the peace process on matters not requiring jointness, mutuality, and bilateralism with those mechanisms from the GPH,” he said. 

The MILF is hoping that the government will designate a new peace panel chief to enable the shared work of completing the implementation of the CAB to proceed with clarity, certainty, and renewed momentum. 

“Such appointment will help restore the normal functioning of the established mechanisms and enable the parties to address pending matters in a timely and constructive manner,” Ebrahim said.

The peace deal encountered another stumbling block as the government and the MILF commemorate the 12th year of signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro on March 17. 

Last year, the MILF unilaterally suspended the decommissioning of the remaining 14,000 combatants until the government substantially complies with the provisions of the Annex on Normalization in the peace agreement the two parties signed in 2014. 

The MILF barred its officials and commanders from attending activities related to decommissioning. 

The first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections was moved multiple times, prompting some peace monitors to issue a warning that the peace deal is on the brink of collapse due to unresolved issues. 

How can the MILF work with the government when their mediator is gone? The OPAPRU says they should press ahead anyway but does not address their concerns. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1271374

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) called on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to continue engaging with the government on the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

"We encourage our MILF brothers and sisters to continue walking this path with us, as the peace process is a living testament of our partnership. We believe that the spirit of the CAB, rooted in the principles of jointness, bilateralism, and mutuality, is best honored by keeping the wheels of implementation turning," OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement late Wednesday.

Likewise, Galvez said the OPAPRU recognizes the concerns raised by the MILF leadership but noted that they must never lose sight of the people whose lives depend on the implementation of the peace process.

"We must remember that the CAB is more than just a peace accord. It is a sacred peace covenant. Every 'temporary pause' translates into a day of uncertainty for the former combatants, their families, and the communities currently undergoing the transformation process," he added.

He said these are the individuals who have sacrificed the most and rightfully deserve immediate and continuous assistance from the national and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) governments and other peace stakeholders, especially in these difficult and trying times.

"The gains we have achieved, particularly under the Normalization Track, are far too precious to be stalled. It is our firm belief that the momentum of our peacebuilding efforts must be sustained, and in fact, must be accelerated in light of the upcoming first BARMM parliamentary elections," he said.

Galvez said they remain confident that their shared aspirations for a just and durable peace will overcome these temporary challenges.

"For the sake of the Bangsamoro people and the future of our nation, let us move forward together with renewed urgency, determination, and heart," he added.

Galvez also acknowledged the recent statement from the MILF Central Committee, which cited the “positive” role of the peace agency in facilitating the government’s deliverables under the CAB.

"Under the steadfast leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the OPAPRU remains unwavering in its commitment to pushing forward and building on the dividends of peace in the Bangsamoro," he said.

Galvez also said that OPAPRU’s mandate, which is to “manage, direct, integrate, and supervise the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Process,” serves as a guide and has kept us on track amid the challenges that have come our way in fostering peace and development across the region.

The OPAPRU, he said, is in charge of implementing the government’s overall peace policy agenda, while the Government Peace Implementing Panel (GPIP) is tasked to serve as the bridge between the government and the MILF, particularly to “conduct direct negotiations, dialogues and discussions” with the MILF under Executive Order 158 series of 2021.

Galvez said the OPAPRU continues to support the GPIP as it undertakes the arduous tasks of implementing the CAB.

He added that the selection of the GPIP leadership is an internal government process, but it should not affect the work of the peace mechanisms or the efforts of all stakeholders working for peace in the Bangsamoro.

If the OPAPRU is in charge of implementing the peace program then the MILF should have no issue at all. So, what's the real deal? Don't forget the MILF has already frozen the decommission program. Is the dissolution of the peace process and the BARMM just around the riverbend?