Insurgency: Online Radicalization

It's been a victorious past week as the NPA continues to crumble in various provinces and regions. First up is Cagayan Valley being declared insurgency-free.

https://mb.com.ph/2026/06/06/cagayan-valley-declared-insurgency-free

The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) has officially declared the Cagayan Valley region insurgency-free and placed it under a State of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SSIPS), marking a major milestone in the government’s peace and security campaign in Northern Luzon.

The declaration was made during the RPOC’s second quarter meeting on Thursday, June 4, at the Cagayan Provincial Capitol here.

The meeting was led by Regional Development Council (RDC) Chairperson and Cagayan Gov. Edgar Aglipay and attended by the Philippine Army, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Region 2, and other government agencies and security sector partners.

A symbolic marker was unveiled and official documents were signed to formalize the declaration recognizing the region’s successful efforts in addressing insurgency and maintaining peace and order following the dismantling of the Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), which had operated in the region for decades.

Aglipay commended the unwavering commitment and dedication of government agencies, local government units, and security forces in carrying out their mandates that ultimately led to the region being declared free from insurgency threats.

He stressed that the declaration should not be viewed as the end of the government’s peace efforts but as a continuing commitment to sustain peace, security, and development throughout the region.

Police Regional Office-2 Director Police Brig. Gen. Mariano Rodriguez, 5th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Gulliver Señires, and Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Aristotle Gonzalez reaffirmed their commitment to continue close coordination and collaboration to preserve peace and ensure that insurgency will no longer regain a foothold in the region.

No word on when the last time rebels were seen in the area bu the government warns this is not "the end of the government’s peace efforts." The AFP has to sustain the gains made in this region and in every region. 

Agusan del Sur has been placed under Stable Internal Peace and Security status. Is SIPS different from SSIPS?

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1276870

The province of Agusan del Sur is under Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, according to the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC).

The declaration of the SIPS status was made during the PPOC meeting in Prosperidad town on Monday, which was attended by top leaders in the area, led by Governor Santiago Cane Jr., and officials of the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other government agencies.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade (401Bde) said the SIPS status was achieved by the province mainly due to the dismantling of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the communist New People’s Army.

The 401Bde attributed NEMRC's downfall to the relentless efforts of the Army, the PNP, and other security forces in the province.

“The declaration signifies the province's transition toward an insurgency-free environment, opening greater opportunities for economic growth, investment, and improved public services for its people,” Col. Glenn Joy U. Aynera, acting commander of 401Bde, said in the same statement.

He added that the achievement also reflects the sacrifices and dedication of Army troopers, including fallen soldiers who offered their lives in the pursuit of peace, as well as the support of the local government units, the Indigenous Peoples, and various communities in the province.

Last week, the two units of 401Bde – the 36th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion – together with the PNP’s 1st Special Action Battalion, facilitated the surrender of the five remaining remnants of NEMRC in an operation in Barangay Sibahay, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.

The surrenderers also handed over one RPK light machine gun, three M16A1 rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, one M4 Bushmaster rifle, four AK-47 magazines, various ammunition, including four 40mm high-explosive rounds, and subversive documents.

“This historic declaration reflects the effectiveness of the whole-of-nation approach in promoting peace and development,” Maj. Gen. Marion Angcao, the commander of the 4th Infantry Division, also said in the statement.

He commended the dedication of soldiers, local government leaders, partner agencies, and peace-loving citizens who collaborated to achieve SIPS status.

"The declaration signifies the province's transition toward an insurgency-free environment" makes it sounds like the region is not actually, or officially anyway, insurgency-free. 

Once a hotbed of the insurgency, two Samar towns have been declared insurgency-free. The first is Matuguinao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1276842

This town was formally declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) on Monday, marking the culmination of years of government efforts to eradicate the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in the area.

A declaration ceremony held at the municipal gymnasium was attended by local officials led by Mayor Aran Boller, the Army's 8th Infantry Division commander Major General Peter Burgonio, and representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Matuguinao had long been considered one of Samar's insurgency hotspots, with communist rebel influence reaching nearly all of its 20 villages for decades.

Since its creation as a municipality in 1965 and the rise of the NPA in the 1970s, two of its mayors have been assassinated by communist rebels. Several military personnel and barangay officials were also killed.

Local officials said the situation began to improve in 2019 when the local government declared NPA members persona non grata, intensifying its anti-insurgency campaign in partnership with the Philippine Army and PNP.

In his speech, Boller described the declaration as the realization of a long-held aspiration for peace and development.

"It has been a long journey toward the total emancipation of Matuguinao from the influence of the CPP-NPA-NDF," he said, recalling the lives lost over the years, including soldiers, village officials, and civilians.

He said the declaration signifies that the town is now ready to focus on sustained development and economic progress.

One major factor behind the transformation was improved accessibility. Once reachable only through a four- to six-hour motorboat ride, Matuguinao was connected by road to neighboring Gandara through a Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan-funded road project completed in 2019, reducing travel time to less than an hour.

"By delivering services to all citizens equally, we have eliminated the grounds for complaints used by the NPA to justify their recruitment," Boller added.

The local government is currently assisting around 60 to 70 former rebels through reintegration and support programs, including livelihood assistance and planned housing units under the Saad nga Balay (promised housing) program.

Burgonio commended the local government and residents for their cooperation, saying peace could not have been achieved without active community participation.

The SIPSC declaration is granted after a local government unit undergoes assessment and verification by the military and police and is found free from insurgent influence, presence, and activities for at least one year.

NPA influence for almost 50 years and all it took to "eliminate the grounds for complaints used by the NPA to justify their recruitment" was "delivering services to all citizens equally." Good governance as counterinsurgency when it should be norm. 

The second Samar town to be cleared from the NPA is Tagapul-an.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1277103

The island town of Tagapul-an in Samar province has been formally declared as free from threats of the New People’s Army (NPA) due to sustained efforts for peace, security, and development.

The town's declaration under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) was formalized on Thursday with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) led by Tagapul-an Mayor Princess Kate Limpiado, Philippine Army 801st Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Arlino Sendaydiego, and 14th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Esmeraldo Sumalinog.

The SIPSC declaration acknowledges the town’s ongoing peace, stability, and lack of major insurgency or internal conflict, fostering a better environment for growth.

In her message, Limpiado emphasized that the declaration is not the culmination of peacebuilding efforts but the beginning of a more focused and sustained development agenda for the municipality.

“With an improved peace and security environment, Tagapul-an is now better positioned to attract investment, expand social services, and implement long-term development programs that will improve the quality of life for every Tagapul-anon,” she said.

The mayor also acknowledged the collective contributions of past and present local officials, barangay leaders, security forces, and community stakeholders, whose efforts made the declaration possible.

Meanwhile, Sendaydiego said the SIPSC declaration reflects the municipality’s progress in addressing insurgency-related concerns through close collaboration among local government units, security agencies, and community partners.

He noted that the achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of the government's whole-of-nation approach to addressing the root causes of insurgency and promoting lasting peace and stability in Samar.

With Tagapul-an’s declaration under SIPSC, all five island municipalities of Samar province have now attained insurgency-free status. These include Almagro, Sto. Niño, Daram and Zumarraga.

Other local government units in Samar that have previously been declared under the same status include Sta. Rita, Calbiga, Matuguinao, Villareal, Pinabacdao, Pagsanghan, Tarangnan, San Sebastian, Sta. Margarita and Calbayog City.

This town, like Matuguinao, has been placed under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC). What is the difference exactly between SIPS and SSIPS? Is there a real difference? 

Caraga Region is set to be declared Reds-free so the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) is switching gears to peace sustainability. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1276769

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento on Monday said the agency will soon shift its peacebuilding strategy from "conflict management to peace sustainability" initiatives.

Sarmiento said this shift, to be handled by the agency's Local Conflict Transformation - Field Implementation Support Office (LCT-FISO), will happen in anticipation of the Caraga Region being declared insurgency-free within the month.

“With Caraga Region on the cusp of being declared insurgency-free, our mandate shifts fundamentally. We are now stepping into deep-rooted conflict transformation. To ensure this milestone translates into positive, lasting peace, our Transformation Program must not only help rebuild the lives of former rebels, but must also focus on mending the social fabric of communities,” he said in a news release.

“Recognizing that decades of conflict have left invisible wounds in communities and among individuals, OPAPRU will strengthen the implementation of the Transformation Program through its Healing and Reconciliation component to foster understanding, rebuild trust, and promote social cohesion among former adversaries."

Sarmiento said sustainable peace requires “addressing the emotional, psychological, and social scars left by years of violence and division.”

“Through dialogue, community engagement, and peacebuilding initiatives, OPAPRU aims to help communities heal, restore relationships, and create an environment where peace can flourish and be sustained at the communities once plagued by conflict,” he added.

Earlier, the Eastern Mindanao Command, the military formation responsible for defending and securing Caraga against all forms of threats, said the locality will soon be officially cleared of communist insurgents.

This came after the Caraga was declared a “Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS)” area during the Regional Peace and Order Council 13 meeting held last week.

The OPAPRU chief said development is a welcome one as the Caraga Region has long being considered the main outpost of the New People's Army in Mindanao, specifically operating under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Records from the military showed that from 2016 to 2026, a total of 224 communist rebels affliated with the NEMRC operating in Caraga were subdued, together with 189 members of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee in Northern Mindanao.

Combined, Regions 10 and 13 accounted for 433 subdued communist rebels over the 10-year period, reflecting the steady weakening of insurgent forces and the eventual dismantling of their operational capabilities.

The OPAPRU and provincial local government units’ (PLGUs) earlier established peace and development centers (PDCs) across Caraga, the pilot region for the peace agency’s flagship initiative under the CPP-NPA-NDF Peace Process Office (CPPO), with the aim of serving as platforms where local stakeholders, through the PLGU of Caraga, can actively participate in shaping and sustaining the gains of peace.

“Peace is strongest when it is built from the ground up. By working closely with the communities and local stakeholders to confront the past and rebuild trust through our established PDC as a mechanism, we are laying the foundation for a resilient and united CARAGA," the OPAPRU chief said.

What it boils down to is good governance. Make sure the people have basic commodities and infrastructure and they will have no reason to take up arms. 

The PNP has ramped up their battle against online radicalization by collaborating with international partners. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1277069

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to combat cross-border extremist networks targeting vulnerable Filipino youth, following the rescue of 21 minors from online violent extremist influence.

In a statement, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. underscored the importance of international cooperation after the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in partnership with Philippine law enforcement agencies, including the PNP, rescued 21 Filipino minors from nihilist violent extremism (NVE).

“The rescue of 21 minors from violent extremist influence is a significant achievement in protecting vulnerable young people from radicalization and exploitation. It demonstrates the importance of early intervention and coordinated law enforcement efforts to safeguard communities,” Nartatez said.

According to the FBI-led Anti-Terrorism Fusion Group, authorities conducted 14 separate operations across the Philippines after identifying juveniles who exhibited signs of extremist behavior online.

Authorities said NVE is a form of extremism driven by the belief that life has no value. The ideology has emerged as a global threat, primarily spreading through gaming platforms and social media networks.

Nartatez noted that evolving security threats require a unified international response to effectively protect communities from online radicalization and exploitation.

“International cooperation is crucial because extremist networks often operate across borders and digital platforms. No single agency can effectively address these threats alone, which is why information sharing and joint action among trusted partners are essential,” he said.

The FBI began sharing critical intelligence with Philippine authorities earlier this year, enabling local law enforcement agencies to conduct coordinated interventions before the targeted minors could be fully exploited or driven toward violence.

U.S. authorities have noted that similar online recruitment patterns observed globally have previously been linked to planned school attacks involving young people.

Aside from efforts against NVE, the FBI is also working closely with Philippine law enforcement agencies to dismantle regional scam centers operated by transnational criminal networks.

“We will continue working closely with foreign law enforcement agencies, local government units, schools, and communities to identify at-risk individuals, prevent radicalization, and ensure timely intervention whenever necessary,” Nartatez said.

They PNP says they have "rescued 21 Filipino minors from nihilist violent extremism (NVE)." Nihilism? What is this, late 19th century Russia? It turns out "NVE is a form of extremism driven by the belief that life has no value." Also "the ideology has emerged as a global threat, primarily spreading through gaming platforms and social media networks." That is a new one for me. What kind of violence have these nihilists been committing in the real world? It sounds more like the black pill than anything. 

Insurgency: 11 Leyte Towns Insurgency-Free

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Leyte 11 towns have been declared insurgency-free.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Insurgency: NPA Totally Defeated In Negros

The AFP has released another update on how many rebels have been neutralized so far this year. Let's take a look at those numbers. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275944

A total of 654 New People's Army (NPA) rebels and their supporters were "neutralized" from Jan. 1 to May 21.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, in an interview on Tuesday afternoon, said the number consists of 568 who surrendered, 31 who were arrested, and 55 who killed in various military operations nationwide.

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

In the same period, a total of 454 firearms, along with 114 anti-personnel mines, were either seized or surrendered.

Padilla earlier said the high number of surrenders is a clear indication that a lot of the NPA remnants are choosing peace over conflict.

Last year, the military said its units had neutralized 2,018 NPA members and their supporters from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 last year. Of this figure, 1,798 surrendered,  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.

It added that 149 NPA encampments were captured in 2025.

654 rebels and their supporters with no breakdown into how many actual rebels are included in the number. At last count there were 780 rebels which is close to 654. It seems the only thing that can be gleaned from these numbers is that there are way more supporters than rebels. How does that make any sense if the NPA is dwindling? The AFP has also said their support is dwindling yet the numbers show otherwise. 

According to the NTF-ELCAC the NPA is totally defeated in Negros. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275717

Recent defeats of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Toboso and Cauayan, Negros Occidental have shown the "irreversible collapse of the remaining communist terrorist infrastructure" in the region, a ranking National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) official said Sunday.

These losses, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said, shatters the communist insurgents' long-running illusion of a so-called “people’s revolution” in Negros.

The defeats exposed what Torres described as a violent movement built on deception, fear, ideological exploitation, and the systematic manipulation of vulnerable sectors.

“But the people themselves have now rendered their verdict. Negrenses rejected terrorism as the path toward justice and reform,” Torres said.

The clashes in Toboso last April 19 and Cauayan on May 16 resulted in the death of 19 and five NPA members, respectively.

Torres said the April 19 clash, where 19 armed "communist terrorist group" (CTG another name for the NPA) members were killed, including longtime rebel leader Roger Fabillar, was a turning point that exposed the collapse of the remaining guerrilla network in Northern Negros.

“What collapsed in Toboso was not merely an armed unit. It was the last illusion of a movement already abandoned and despised by the very communities it falsely claimed to represent,” Torres said.

Despite decades of insurgency, Torres said Negros communities embrace peace, reintegration, democratic governance, and economic recovery.

He cited the growing number of areas placed under Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, the dismantling of guerrilla fronts, and persona non grata declarations against the Communist Party of the Philippines- NPA- National Democratic Front across Negros as indicators that the insurgency has lost moral and political ground.

“Negros is no longer a symbol of insurgency. It is becoming a symbol of recovery, resilience, peace, and democratic renewal. The old chapter of deception, terror-grooming, and violence is closing before the eyes of the nation," he said. 

Torres, citing statements made by 3rd Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, said local officials and residents there appealed to authorities to end the rebels' terror in their area. 

He said Negros residents no longer shield the insurgency but are actively helping in dismantling it.  

Torres linked the public outrage against the NPA to the recent killing of charcoal maker Joseph Agustin, described by authorities as another victim of “spy-tagging” — an internal practice where individuals are branded as government informants and executed based on suspicion and paranoia.

“The killing of Joseph Agustin is a tragic reminder that paranoia, coercion, and violence remain embedded in the operational culture of the dying CPP-NPA-NDF movement,” he said.

Torres called on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to take a decisive stand against communist-linked violence, executions, terror-grooming, and spy-tagging.

“The time has come for the CHR to heed the growing call of the people of Negros and decisively help put an end to the violence. Human rights must never be selective, ideological, or distorted by propaganda," Torres said.

Torres said genuine human rights advocacy demands impartiality and the courage to condemn all forms of violence, regardless of ideology.

“It is high time for the CHR to put its foot down with resolve against executions, terror-grooming, intimidation, and spy-tagging killings that continue to victimize communities,” he added.

"Residents no longer shield the insurgency?" And yet the opposite  is exactly what the number 654 proves. Note that totally defeated doesn't mean actually and really totally defeated. It just means they have suffered loses. The exact nature of those losses remains to be seen as there are still rebels in Negros. 

It is Negros which is the epicenter of NPA spy-tagging killings according to the NTF-ELCAC. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2234973/ntf-elcac-negros-epicenter-of-npa-spy-tagging-killings

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) on Tuesday disclosed that Negros Island has become the epicenter of alleged “spy-tagging” killings of civilians attributed to the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).

In a statement, NTF-Elcac Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said that from 2021 to May 2026, at least 59 documented cases of spy-tagging killings and summary executions have been recorded nationwide, with 51 of these victims reported in the Negros Island Region—41 in Negros Occidental and 10 in Negros Oriental.

Torres called on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to fulfill its mandate, demand accountability, and investigate the killings instead of allowing them to be obscured by propaganda.

“The CHR must … demonstrate equal resolve in condemning and investigating these executions. Human rights are not exclusive to armed rebels, activists, or ideological allies,” he said.

Torres added: “Human rights belong equally to poor farmers, church workers, tricycle drivers, laborers, former rebels, barangay officials, and ordinary civilians murdered in remote communities.”

He said data showed that of the 51 civilians killed in Negros over the past five years, 49 occurred between January 2025 and May 2026 alone, comprising 39 victims in Negros Occidental and 10 in Negros Oriental.

Torres noted that nearly nine out of every 10 victims recorded nationwide from 2025 to the present were killed in Negros.

Spy-tagging killings occur when the victims were allegedly accused of being military “informants” and condemned by so-called “kangaroo courts,” leading to their executions.” 

Why must the CHR investigate these killings when they are a government watch-dog? Why not have the PNP investigate these killings? How about the DOJ? Where are they? Where is the AFP military police?

Kalinga was recently declared insurgency free and the local government says that status will propel economic development. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275757

Kalinga Governor James Edduba said the declaration of the province as "insurgency-free" will surely redound to progress, as he asked residents to help sustain this feat.

“Together with all sectors of our society, we will protect and preserve the peace we now enjoy. We commit ourselves to remain united in strengthening peace and order, promoting inclusive development,” Edduba said in a recent exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency.

The governor said that with the declaration, investors can start to come in.

“Hopefully, these signals will encourage investors to come in and tourists to come in, knowing that our place is safe. We can also invite both investors and tourist arrivals will also increase,” he added.

With the recent declaration, Edduba said the last 20 villages that were once rebel-infested will benefit from various government projects.

“There is an initial PHP8 million for their priority projects. Together with the government line agencies, mayors and barangays, we will identify their priorities, and we will identify where we can come in with line agencies for projects needing bigger funds,” the governor said.

In January last year, Kalinga, known as the Cordillera's rice granary, was upgraded as a second-class province from the previous third-class level in terms of income classification under Republic Act 111964 or the Automatic Income Classification of LGUs Act.

Last May 12, local officials, military leaders, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) formalized the declaration of the “State of Stable Internal Peace and Security” (SSIPS) following the passage of Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board) Resolution 2006-203, which certified that Kalinga has successfully cleared communist insurgency threats.

The governor said that many rebels have voluntarily surrendered, while the last six members of the New People's Army (NPA) Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee, who are operating in Kalinga and Abra, were arrested in Tarlac last March.

“Our work now is sustainability of the peace, and we will work with the security forces who will work with the community and us,” he said.

Meanwhile, Col. Gilbert Fati-ig, Kalinga police provincial office director, said they will continue to drum up police community relations activities with the communities and the young people, in and out of school.

“Even if our barangays are now insurgency-free, we will not be lax and will not allow the leftist community to again recruit our people using their sweet words that entice especially the young people," he said in Ilocano.

Fat-ig, who hails from Tinglayan town, said part of their efforts is the promotion of the different government uniformed-service academies—Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) and the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), encouraging the youth to enter these institutions.

“This will not just allow our youth to develop patriotism but also encourage them to be educated with full government scholarship and automatic employment upon graduation,” he said.

He said that part of their advocacy is not just to monitor the former rebels who have voluntarily surrendered, but also the members of the left-leaning community.

“We do not want them to re-group, and we do not want them to entice our youth to join their lost advocacies,” the police colonel added. 

It's another case of good governance being a counter-insurgency program instead of the status quo! Note that they say they will not remain lax but be on the look out for leftists recruiting young people. Seems like Kalinga's is not 100% rebel free if they have to look out for NPA recruiters. 

A few voices have called for peace talks with the Reds but the has rejected that for action. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/24/cops-choose-action-vs-reds-amid-peace-talks-calls

The Philippine National Police (PNP) does not want to do a lot of talking in dealing with communist rebels and instead vowed to sustain intensified operations to permanently dismantle their remaining operational units.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr. said the police organization remains aligned with the government’s position that the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) no longer holds the capacity to justify renewed national negotiations. 

“Our operational approach remains unyielding: we will continue to launch aggressive, targeted operations against the remnants of the CPP-NPA to permanently dismantle their remaining operational units,” Nartatez said.

“The goal is to finally bring peace and development to communities and far-flung areas that have long experienced threats and intimidation,” he added.

Calls for renewed peace talks were floated after the incident in Negros Occidental wherein among those killed were student leaders who were believed to have been recruited by the NPA.

While some groups are calling for justice, Department of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro maintained that all the 19 fatalities were communist rebels, adding that there is no proof that they are innocent civilians.

Nartatez said the PNP will keep close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines as authorities move to prevent armed groups from regrouping in insurgency-affected areas, particularly in parts of Negros Island and nearby provinces.

“There is no room for complacency. The PNP, in coordination with the AFP, will maintain maximum pressure on these lawless groups to ensure they can no longer threaten our communities or hinder local development,” he said.

Nartatez also ordered regional and provincial police offices to intensify intelligence monitoring against armed communist groups. 

He also directed local police units to strengthen community-based programs focused on youth recruitment prevention and anti-radicalization efforts.

“The PNP remains committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the constitutional rights of every Filipino. Our operations are directed against armed lawless elements, not lawful dissent,” he said. 

Kill 'em all and let God sort 'em out right? What happened to pleading with them to surrender so they don't have to shed Filipino blood? 

The OPAPRU says their transformation program is vital in ex-rebels' reintegration. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1275750

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) has said its Transformation Program is a vital initiative in the reintegration of former rebels (FRs) into mainstream society.

OPAPRU Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, in a statement Sunday night, said the Transformation Program's value can be highlighted by success stories of FRs like 32-year-old Aljun Intano, who rebuilt his life with the help of the Transformation Program and local stakeholders.

“The story of Mr. Intano reflects the very heart of the Transformation Program of OPAPRU. His journey from fear and conflict to becoming a peace advocate demonstrates that transformation is not only possible, but sustainable when supported by genuine opportunities and trust-building on the ground,” he added.

Before becoming a community leader and president of the "United Caraganon For Peace and Development Federation Incorporation (UCPDFI), the OPAPRU said Intano and his wife were guerrilla fighters for the New People’s Army (NPA) in Surigao del Sur, surviving numerous armed conflicts.

Living in constant fear and isolation in the mountains, they decided to abandon the armed struggle in 2017 and surrendered with the help of local indigenous leaders, from which their transition to a peaceful mainstream society began.

Sarmiento said Intano’s journey, as well as other FRs, captured what it meant to face “a test of faith” for peace advocates in Surigao del Sur.

“For FRs, this test is not only about leaving behind the past, but about holding on to the promise that the support extended by the PLGU (provincial local government units), national agencies, and local stakeholders will endure. It is ensuring that the path they have chosen leads not back to conflict, but forward to lasting peace and dignity,” he said.

Sarmiento also noted that the strong collaboration among the military, local government leaders, and Indigenous Peoples’ representatives creates an enabling environment for trust, reintegration, and inclusive growth.

He stressed that this convergence of efforts ensures that transformation goes beyond policy, translating into tangible opportunities such as livelihood support, social services, and community participation.

Sarmiento added that the success of the Transformation Program lies in a collective effort.

“When local stakeholders unite, we not only transform individuals like Mr. Intano, but we also transform entire communities into spaces of peace, resilience, and shared progress," he concluded.

From rebel to community leader and peace advocate. How much money did he get to start his life all over again?

Insurgency: Terror Grooming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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