Insurgency: Only 9 Rebels Remain Active In Panay

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines a grand total of 1,349 NPA members and supporters have been neutralized between January 1st and October 8th. That is 569 more than the last estimate of 780 NPA rebels remaining and the year is not even finished. 

https://pna.gov.ph/article/13k-reds-supporters-neutralized-from-jan-to-early-october

A total of 1,349 New People's Army (NPA) members and supporters were neutralized in various government operations from Jan. 1 to Oct. 8, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Tuesday.

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, said 1,222 of these individuals surrendered, 48 were arrested, and 79 were killed in military operations. 

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

During the same period, about 804 firearms were either seized or surrendered, along with 306 anti-personnel mines and 54 NPA encampments, Trinidad said.

In 2025, the military neutralized an estimated 2,018 NPA and its supporters, seized or received through surrender 1,134 firearms and 531 anti-personnel mines, and captured a total of 149 NPA encampments. 

How do they account for this discrepancy? What is the estimated number of NPA rebels and mere supporters that remain fighting for the insurgency? Why don't they break down the number 1,349 into proper categories of rebels and supporters? Without that breakdown that number is useless and tells the public nothing about the true state of the insurgency. Either 2025's estimate was severely understated or the majority of those neutralized are not actual rebels. 

According to the Army only 9 NPA rebels remain on the whole of Panay Island. 

https://www.panaynews.net/only-9-npa-rebels-remain-active-in-panay-army-ex-rebels-surrender-leads-to-discovery-of-hidden-arms-cache-in-iloilo/

The New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island has reportedly dwindled to just nine active members amid internal divisions and leadership problems, the Philippine Army disclosed following the surrender of a former rebel who led government troops to a hidden arms cache in Leon, Iloilo.

Lieutenant Colonel Jekyll Julian D. Dulawan, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion (61IB), said information gathered from former rebels suggested that the remaining communist insurgents were struggling to maintain their ranks and organizational leadership.

“They are reportedly experiencing internal divisions and leadership challenges, with an estimated strength of only nine active NPA,” Dulawan said.

The disclosure came as the military reported another breakthrough in its counterinsurgency campaign following the surrender of alias “Dandan,” 47, a former finance and logistics officer of the dismantled Puregold Platoon under the Southern Panay Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay.

“Dandan” surrendered to the 61IB at Camp Monteclaro in Barangay Igtuba, Miag-ao, Iloilo, around 3 p.m. on October 11.

He turned over a 12-gauge Akkar Charles Daly shotgun with a defaced serial number and three live cartridges.

More significantly, the former rebel disclosed the location of a concealed arms cache in Barangay Bucari, Leon, enabling government troops to recover ammunition magazines and an explosive device the following day, October 12.

The recovered materials included 45 magazines for M16 rifles, a Type C anti-personnel mine or improvised explosive device (IED), and a detonator.

In Northern Samar there are allegedly only 40 NPA rebels remaining. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2324487/army-intensifies-pursuit-against-npa-rebels-in-n-samar

The military has intensified operations against an estimated 40 remaining members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Northern Samar following reports from residents of armed rebels’ presence and alleged gatherings in mountainous communities, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

The intensified campaign comes amid continuing efforts by government forces to end the communist insurgency in Eastern Visayas, with Northern Samar identified by the military as the region’s last stronghold of the communist movement.

The latest operations followed a series of encounters between government troops and NPA members in Las Navas town earlier this month.

The military reported encounters in Barangay Poponton on Oct. 4 and Barangay Palanas on Oct. 8, before another firefight erupted in the forested portion of Barangay Sag-od at around 5:34 p.m. on Oct. 13.

The exchange of gunfire lasted approximately 10 minutes before the armed group withdrew, according to the military.

On Oct. 14, soldiers continued their pursuit of the rebels, supported by military helicopters, in areas believed to have been used as escape routes by the armed group.

The operations were also prompted by reports from residents that NPA members had allegedly been extorting money from farmers and forcing community members to buy food for the group.

Brig. Gen. Carmelito Pangatungan, commander of the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade, based in the provincial capital of Catarman, said the military remained committed to protecting communities and maintaining peace and security in the province.

“Our soldiers will not stop pursuing the remaining armed members of the NPA who continue to disrupt communities and exploit our people. We will not allow fear and violence to prevail again or hinder programs that will bring development to our communities,” Pangatungan said.

He said the military campaign forms part of broader efforts to end the insurgency in Northern Samar, alongside cooperation with local government units to deliver basic services and livelihood opportunities to communities affected by the prolonged conflict.

The military has emphasized that addressing the insurgency requires not only security operations but also sustained government assistance to remote communities, where limited access to basic services and economic opportunities can complicate peace and development efforts.

Pangatungan thanked residents who have cooperated with authorities and urged the remaining NPA members to abandon the armed struggle and return to the fold of the law.

“As long as it is not too late, choose peace, safety and the opportunity to live a decent life with your families. Returning to the fold of the law is a way to reunite with your loved ones and begin a more peaceful future,” he said. 

How can anyone trust those low numbers when the national total of neutralized persons has already surpassed the previous nationwide rebel estimate? The gap between the inflated national neutralization figures and these extremely low residual estimates only underscores how little clarity the public is being given about actual fighting strength versus peripheral supporters.

The NTF-ELCAC claims the implementation of government development programs has contributed significantly to the decline of the insurgency. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2320809/receding-insurgency-due-to-ongoing-govt-devt-programs-ntf-elcac

Ongoing development programs by the government in communities formerly affected by armed conflict are among the reasons why the insurgents are steadily losing influence in the countryside.

This was emphasized by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) in a news release Friday, and reported that around 28,415 villages in 60 provinces nationwide are now under Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) declarations.

“For NTF-Elcac, the 28,415 SIPS barangays across 60 provinces represent a stark measure of how much ground the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front) armed insurgency has lost,” it said.

The task force said most of the villages, at around 21,614, “are already part of nine entire regions under SIPS, while another 6,801 belong to SIPS provinces in regions moving toward the same goal.”

With the increase in SIPS, the task force said “the challenge now is to ensure that peace, development and democratic governance permanently occupy the ground insurgency has lost.”

NTF-Elcac deputy director for operations Rodrigo Lutao said “expanding the SIPS map cannot be separated from the government’s development offensive in communities previously affected by armed conflict.”

He said that as of Sept. 29, the Barangay Development Program (BDP) has reached 5,638 formerly conflict-affected villages, backed by a P44.90 billion in development investments benefiting an estimated 16.03 million Filipinos.

The investments, he said, “have translated into concrete interventions on the ground: 955 classrooms, 1,587.02 kilometers of farm-to-market roads, 23,681 streetlights, 1,169 water and sanitation systems, 9,264 electrification projects, and 547 health and medical stations.”

This year, the government allocated P8.08 billion for projects in 808 cleared villages, for the construction of roads, schools, water systems, health stations and electrification.

“The SIPS and BDP figures therefore tell two interconnected stories: the shrinking space for armed insurgency and the expanding presence of government and development. As armed influence recedes, the government is seeking to consolidate peace by bringing roads, electricity, potable water, education, health services, livelihoods and economic opportunities into communities previously vulnerable to conflict,” Lutao added.

That is 16 million Filipinos who have been underserved by their own government who are now finally receiving the due benefits of their taxes.  Truly under the NTF-ELCAC's BDP good governance has become a counterinsurgency program. 

Insurgency: Army Use Of Child

The Army has unearthed another of the many rebels arms caches that remain buried throughout the nation. Its location was disclosed during a debriefing of a former NPA commander. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2319311/army-unearths-rebel-arms-cache-in-zamboanga-del-sur

Troops of the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion (53IB) recovered an arms cache and war materiel in Barangay Dalapan, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur, on Tuesday, Oct. 6, military officials reported.

The 53IB said the location of the hidden stash in Purok 3 was disclosed during a custodial debriefing with Florencio Sayamba, alias “Jay-R,” “Bebot,” and “Rico.”

Sayamba, a former commander of a militia unit under the defunct Guerrilla Front KARA of the New People’s Army’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, was apprehended during pursuit operations in San Miguel town on June 18. 

He is currently detained at the Pagadian City Jail in Barangay Lenienza, Pagadian City.

Recovered from the site were a carbine rifle, an Ingram submachine gun, a .38-caliber revolver, two hand grenades, a commercial radio with four antennas, and about 20 meters of detonating cord.

The confiscated weapons and equipment were brought to the 53IB headquarters in Guipos for documentation and proper disposition.

Too bad he was apprehended rather than surrendered because now Florencio Sayamba will likely not be able to avail of E-CLIP benefits. 

The Army is pulling out all the stops to persuade NPA fighters to surrender. In one recent case they posted birthday photos of a rebels child on Facebook. 

https://www.bulatlat.com/2026/10/07/army-use-of-child-a-violation-of-intl-humanitarian-law/

The Philippine Army’s publication of child pictures to pressure a New People’s Army (NPA) member to surrender is a violation of international humanitarian law (IHL), a human rights group said in a statement.

“Posting the child’s name, photograph and location while giving her mother an ultimatum to surrender was not only inhumane and exploitative, it was tantamount to holding the child hostage to compel her mother to do something against her will,” said human rights lawyer Maria Sol Taule, deputy secretary-general of Karapatan, in a statement on October 5. 

In a deleted post, the 93rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army published photos of a seven-year-old child with personal details under the pretext of a “birthday party” celebration to urge their NPA mother to surrender.

The Philippines is a signatory to the Geneva Conventions and is obligated to follow the rules of war under IHL. “Children shall be the object of special respect and shall be protected against any form of indecent assault. The Parties to the conflict shall provide them with the care and aid they require, whether because of their age or for any other reason,” the Fourth Geneva Convention stated.

The Philippines also ratified the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child. Under this binding treaty, children should also not be subjected to any arbitrary or unlawful interference on her privacy, family, home or correspondence, or unlawful attacks to their reputation as outlined in the Article 16.

“What the 93rd Infantry Battalion did is equal to hostage-taking,” said Elle Buntag, secretary-general of child rights group Salinlahi. “Basically, it is exploitation to force their mother to surrender.”

The group also recalled the case of certain “Baby Rhea”, a two-month-old infant held hostage along with two pregnant Red fighters in November 2022.

On September 19, Karapatan reported that military agents shot Arnida Cuaton Maguiguilid as she was about to enter the gate of the boarding house in Tagum City. 

Maguiguilid was seven months pregnant, a member of New People’s Army on medical leave, and unarmed when she was seized by the elements of the 603rd Infantry Brigade and 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. 

“The pregnant NPA member, also vulnerable due to her condition, clearly had hors de combat status. Despite this, she was shot in the back, which crippled her and endangered her unborn child as well,” Taule said.

Rule 47 of the International Humanitarian Law prohibited attacking persons who are recognized as “hors de combat” or anyone who is defenseless because of unconsciousness, shipwreck, wounds or sickness.

“We are calling on the Filipino people, defenders of children’s rights, human rights and international humanitarian law, to help the victims attain justice and hold the AFP accountable,” Buntag said.

It's quite revealing that the Army has since deleted the post. But how did they obtain the photographs? If they know the names of NPA fighters why wouldn't they know where they are hiding? And do NPA rebels use Facebook? What is cellphone reception like in the wilderness?

That article also mentions the case of a pregnant NPA member who was shot in the back. The implication is that the Philippine Army shot her. However, that might not be the case. Here are two articles examining the situation from different angles. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2317551/karapatan-shooting-of-pregnant-npa-member-violates-international-law

Karapatan on Monday condemned the shooting of a pregnant member of the New People’s Army (NPA) by suspected military agents in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.

Lawyer Maria Sol Taule, deputy secretary general of Karapatan, said the shooting of a certain Arnida Cuaton Maguiguilid on Sept. 19 was “a violation of international humanitarian law.”

“The pregnant NPA member, also vulnerable due to her condition, clearly had hors de combat status,” she pointed out. “Despite this, she was shot in the back, which crippled her and endangered her unborn child as well.”

Citing earlier local reports, Karapatan said Maguiguilid, who was on medical leave from the NPA and seven months pregnant, was about to enter the gate of the boarding house where she was staying in Barangay Visayan when she was shot.

Maguiguilid was brought to the hospital by her housemate, where she was “seized” by elements of the Philippine Army (PA). She was presented before the media on Sept. 24 as a “surrenderee.”

The military distanced itself from the Sept. 19 incident and insisted that it only came into the picture to facilitate her surrender.

“Our immediate concern was to ensure that she was safely brought under government care and provided the medical attention she needed,” Maj. Ruben Gadut, spokesperson for the PA’s 10th Infantry Division.

This article says the woman was seized by the military at the hospital and later presented as a surrenderee. The fact that she was on "medical leave from the NPA" is kind of odd. Medical leave from the revolution? So, the NPA has safe houses and the house was not raided? Instead the woman was shot out front? Why wouldn't the Army raid the safe house?

This second article presents the story from a different angle.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2316473/ndf-seeks-red-cross-intervention-for-wounded-pregnant-rebel-leader

A spokesman for Maoist rebels operating in Southern Mindanao has called on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to intervene in the case of a pregnant New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla leader who was allegedly the subject of a kill attempt some two weeks ago in Davao del Norte.

Kim Montiza, spokesperson for the National Democratic Front-Far South Mindanao Region (NDF-FSMR), told the Inquirer the intervention from ICRC and human rights groups and lawyers will help ensure that the rights of Arnida Cuaton Manuiguilid, alias “Ka Lovi,” are respected as she recuperates from a lone but serious gunshot wound.

Montiza emphasized that under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), pregnant women and incapacitated combatants are strictly protected from attacks.

According to Montiza, Manuiguilid was around six months pregnant when she went on medical leave from her guerrilla unit in the first week of August. 

At past 6:00 p.m. on September 19, as Manuiguilid was closing the gate of her safe house after a quick run at a mall in Tagum City, Davao del Norte, an unidentified gunman opened fire, leaving her crumpled and bleeding on the street, Montiza said.

The single bullet entered Manuiguilid’s back and exited through her chest, a detail confirmed by Maj. Ruben Gadut, spokesperson for the Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10ID).

But Gadut said the Maoist fighter is now in stable condition, although Montiza claims that the amazona is “paralyzed from the waist down” because of the gunshot wound.

Both Gadut and Montiza are clueless regarding the condition of Manuiguilid’s pregnancy following the traumatic attack.

For days following the shooting, her exact situation was unclear. However, Gadut said that on September 25, Manuiguilid had “surrendered” and was by then receiving treatment in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, more than 200 kilometers away from Tagum.

Gadut claimed that the transfer was made upon Manuiguilid’s own request. Hailing originally from General Santos City, she asked to be brought to Koronadal City so she could be closer to her family.

Gadut distanced the military from the September 19 shooting, labeling it a “police matter” that involved an unidentified perpetrator.

The Army, Gadut pointed out, only entered the picture on September 25 to facilitate her surrender.

“Our immediate concern was to ensure that she was safely brought under government care and provided the medical attention she needed,” Gadut said. 

He added that her surrender formally allows her to avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.

So, this lady went out for a quick run to the mall, again odd seeing as she is a wanted revolutionary, and was shot upon attempting to enter her house. She is described in negative terms as a "Maoist fighter" and an "amazon." The military claims they had nothing to do with the shooting and it is a "police matter." 

Spokesman Maj. Ruben Gadut says they facilitated her surrender on September 25th while the previous article says she was presented as a surrenderee a day earlier on the 24th. Is that a typo? What's the real timeline here? There also appear to be conflicting accounts of the woman's condition. The military says she is in stable condition while the NDF claims she is paralyzed from the waist down. How would the NDF know anything about her situation when she is in a hospital surrounded by the military?

And who shot this lady? Why would a random unknown shoot this specific woman who is an NPA rebel on medical leave? Did they know her identity and that she was attempting to enter an NPA safe house? Lots of questions to be answered by the police. 

The NPA claimed responsibility for a recent attack that wounded two soldiers and killed one CAFGU member. 

https://digicastnegros.com/npa-claims-responsibility-for-escalante-attack-that-killed-cafgu-member-wounded-2-soldiers/

The New People’s Army has claimed responsibility for the Sept. 29 attack on government troops in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, that left one Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member dead and two soldiers wounded.

In a statement on Oct. 7, Ka Cecil Estrella, spokesperson of the Roselyn Jean Pelle Command-NPA Northern Negros Guerrilla Front, said its members carried out what it described as a harassment operation against personnel of the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) and CAFGU in Sitio Bautista, Brgy. Malasibog, at around 3 p.m.

The NPA claimed its fighters opened fire on government troops conducting a patrol in the area, resulting in one fatality and two injuries on the government side.

Estrella said the exchange of gunfire lasted about three minutes and claimed that all NPA fighters were able to withdraw safely.

The group also alleged that government troops continued firing for about an hour after the initial exchange. This claim has not been independently verified.

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) earlier confirmed that one CAFGU Active Auxiliary member was killed and two soldiers were wounded during the armed encounter.

However, the military said the firefight lasted about 10 minutes, differing from the NPA’s account.

According to the Army, personnel of the 79IB, including members of its Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program team, were conducting a security patrol when they came under attack from an armed group.

The two wounded soldiers were brought to a hospital and were reported to be in stable condition.

Maj. Gen. Joey Escanillas, commander of the 3ID, earlier condemned the attack and assured the family of the slain CAFGU member of assistance.

The Army maintained that its personnel were in the area to support peace and development initiatives and protect communities from armed groups.

Meanwhile, the NPA said the attack was carried out in response to what it described as increasing military presence in the area and alleged killings attributed to government forces.

The rebel group also claimed continued support from communities in Toboso and Escalante, although this assertion could not be independently established.

The military, for its part, maintained that security operations would continue to prevent armed groups from regaining influence in communities.

The Sept. 29 encounter also affected residents of Sitio Bautista, with 13 families comprising 41 individuals reportedly evacuating due to fears following the firefight.

Despite being "strategically defeated" the NPA remains a deadly threat.

Insurgency: CPP Honors Top Female NPA Leader

The NPA was out demanding food, supplies, and money which prompted a military response. Two military responses. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1284946

Reports from residents about armed men allegedly demanding food supplies and money prompted a rapid military response in San Jose de Buan, Samar, resulting in two separate encounters between the Philippine Army and communist rebels, the military said on Monday.

According to the 801st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID), troops launched focused military operations on Sunday after receiving information about the presence of armed individuals in the area.

The military has yet to provide details on casualties or other results of the two encounters.

Army 801st Infantry Brigade acting commander Col. Marlo Jomalesa credited the vigilance and cooperation of residents for helping government forces respond quickly.

“The information shared by our community partner proved vital in this operation. It allowed our troops to respond swiftly and decisively,” Jomalesa said in the military report.

He said the incident demonstrated the importance of coordination between security forces and communities in addressing threats to public safety.

The 8ID said focused military operations would continue against New People’s Army (NPA) remnants in Samar. Residents in affected communities were advised to remain in their areas when possible and avoid unnecessary movement to reduce the risk of being caught in crossfire while military operations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, San Jose de Buan Mayor Christal Jean Elizalde appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities amid the security operation.

In an official statement, Elizalde said the municipal government is coordinating with the Army and local officials to help maintain peace and protect residents.

“I urge residents, particularly those in affected barangays, to follow safety precautions and avoid areas where security operations are being conducted,” she said.

The mayor also encouraged barangay officials and residents to report the presence or movement of armed groups to authorities.

The Army also renewed its appeal to remaining members of armed groups to lay down their weapons and return to their communities. It said qualified individuals who surrender may receive assistance under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, including financial, livelihood and reintegration support.

San Jose de Buan, a fourth-class municipality with a population of nearly 8,000, is one of the NPA’s strongholds in Samar Island, considering its strategic location within the tri-boundaries of Northern, Eastern, and Samar provinces.

The number of remaining rebels in the area is not stated. Yet, the area "is one of the NPA’s strongholds in Samar Island." What does that even mean in light of the NPA being strategically defeated according to the AFP?

In Escalante City the CAFGU engaged the NPA. That firefight ended in one CAFGU member killed and two soldiers wounded.  

https://mb.com.ph/2026/09/30/militiaman-killed-2-soldiers-wounded-in-escalante-city-gunfight

A member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit was killed and two soldiers were wounded in a clash with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Bautista, Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday, Sept. 29.

First Lt. Paulo Lagarde, civil military officer of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB), said troops were conducting Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program (MCSSP) and house visitations when the 10-minute gun battle occurred.

Lagarde said the CAFGU was wounded and declared dead in a hospital. Two soldiers with the rank of private first class and sergeant were wounded and recuperating in a hospital here.

Thirteen families composed of 41 individuals evacuated on Wednesday, Sept. 30, due to fear despite the area being cleared by authorities.

Lagarde said the NPA rebels were believed to be remnants of the dismantled North Negros Front (NNF)-D, who were part of the group which the 79th IB engaged in Toboso, Negros Occidental last April where wanted NPA hitman Roger Fabillar was killed.

The 3rd Infantry Division (ID), in a statement, said the incident underscored that even fragmented armed groups remain capable of violence, reinforcing the need for sustained security efforts to deny them opportunities to regroup, regain influence in communities, or rebuild their capacity to threaten efforts to bring government support, security, and development closer to the people. 

It added that such acts will not deter government forces and their partners from addressing community concerns, protecting civilians, and safeguarding communities from intimidation and armed influence.

“This attack shows the stark contrast between those working with communities toward peace and development and those who continue to resort to violence,” Major Gen. Joey Escanillas, 3rd ID commander, said.

He added that the troops’ presence aims to help sustain the gains of the community and ensure that people can live without fear or intimidation. 

“Violence will not stop us from working with our partners to bring security, government services, and opportunities closer to the people,” he said.

Escanillas condoled with the family of the fatality and assured them of the Army’s support and commended wounded soldiers for their service and commitment. 

He assured the public that security operations in the area remain in place to protect civilians and prevent armed groups from regaining a foothold and urged people to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to authorities.

"The NPA rebels were believed to be remnants of the dismantled North Negros Front" which would seem to mean the group has not actually been dismantled. Again no estimate is given on how many "remnants" remain. Enough to kill one and wound two others. 

NPA arms caches continue to be found. One was found in Ifuago. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/09/30/npa-arms-stash-discovered-in-ifugao

A New People’s Army arms cache was discovered in  Tinoc, Ifugao, on Monday, Sept. 28.

Police Brig. Gen. Noel Vallo, Police Regional Office-Cordillera chief, said they received information from  a former member of the disbanded Kilusang Larangang Guerilya-Ifugao that weapons were stored in the area.

Lawmen unearthed a claymore mine, hand grenades, rifle grenades, 40mm cartridges, commercial dynamite, detonating cord, ammunition, a bandolier, and personal belongings.

Vallo said the recovery demonstrates how former rebels can help protect their communities. 

He said that the former rebel's decision to trust the government eliminated potential threats to the residents of Tinoc. 

Vallo called on the public to continue cooperating with authorities and urged remaining members of the NPA to surrender their arms and assured them that the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is ready to provide assistance.

Another was discovered in Cagayan. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2315577/police-recover-arms-cache-in-cagayan-forest

Police recovered an arms cache believed to have been hidden by communist rebels in a forested area of Baggao, Cagayan, on Thursday.

The Cagayan Provincial Police Office said a rebel returnee led authorities to the weapons cache in Sitio Tagang, Barangay Bunugan.

Police Maj. Abdel Aziz Maximo, commander of the 1st Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company, said the operation resulted in the recovery of an M1 Garand rifle, a Garand magazine and three M16 magazines, four 1.5-volt dry cells, two rounds of grenade rifle M76B HE, with bull trap, a 12.4-volt battery, 59 assorted bullets for short and long firearms, and anti-government documents.

Police Capt. Florentino Sibal, platoon leader, led the operations with Baggao police, Army soldiers and regional intelligence unit members.

The recovered weapons, ammunition and other materials were turned over to the Provincial Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Unit (PECU) for documentation and safekeeping.

Both were found with the help of former rebels who continue to be a source of information about their old comrades. One wonders why those who have surrendered do not sketch out a map of alleged caches when they surrender.

The AFP fetes dead soldiers and the CPP fetes its own dead soldiers. One top leader recently received high praise from her comrades. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2314154/cpp-honors-top-female-npa-leader-slain-in-agusan-del-sur

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) bestowed its “highest honors” on a top-ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader killed during fierce military encounters in Agusan del Sur recently.

In a tribute on Tuesday, the CPP Central Committee extolled Julia Cagadas-Lastimosa, 66, known as “Ka Rida,” as a “revolutionary hero.”

Cagadas-Lastimosa, who served as the secretary of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee, died in combat in Barangay Bakingking, Esperanza, on September 12, alongside three other NPA rebels.

“For having dedicated their lives to the cause of national liberation and true democracy, they are all heroes of the Filipino people,” the CPP said in a statement. “Their names are now forever etched in the walls of the people’s pantheon.”

Military accounts indicate the four NPA members were killed after days of operations that began on September 10, following tips from concerned residents about the presence of armed groups. Troops from the 26th Infantry Battalion initially engaged the rebels near Palili Creek in Barangay Bakingking.

The clashes escalated two days later when the 1st Special Forces Battalion and blocking forces from the 8th Infantry Battalion intercepted the fleeing guerrillas. The running gun battles resulted in the deaths of the four rebels, while three others surrendered and yielded their firearms.

The military credited the successful operations to community cooperation, noting the offensive prevented the armed group from re-establishing a stronghold in the region.

Before joining the NPA, Cagadas-Lastimosa was a leftist organizer involving the youth, workers, urban poor communities, and farmers.

“The sacrifice of Ka Rida and other revolutionary fighters will only strengthen the resolve of the Filipino people to wage a just war in defense of their land and the country’s patrimony, and to attain their aspiration for genuine national freedom and democracy,” the CPP statement read.

A native of Barangay Bugo in Cagayan de Oro City, Cagadas-Lastimosa joined the revolutionary movement in 1979 at age 19. 

She was imprisoned twice — notably escaping in 1989 by swimming across the Cagayan River — before being elected to the CPP’s Central Committee in 2016 and elevated to its Political Bureau in 2024.

Following the encounters, the military transported the bodies to a funeral home in Esperanza before releasing them to their families. 

After a wake in Barangay Bugo here, Cagadas-Lastimosa was laid to rest on September 21 at the Tagoloan Catholic Cemetery.

The AFP has claimed the NPA has no leadership yet here is leadership exhibiting itself quite clearly. 

On the southern front in Mindanao the SAF is keeping a battalion in Maguindano to fight Islamic terrorists. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2313321/saf-keeps-battalion-in-maguindanao-sur-to-fight-extremists

The elite Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has retained a battalion, composed of 500 troops, in Maguindanao del Sur to help in the government’s drive to disband Islamic State-aligned groups sowing terror in the province.

Col. John Michael Mangahis, Maguindanao del Sur police provincial director, said Monday the PNP-SAF deployment will greatly enhance the provincial police command’s security operations across the province’s 24 municipalities, particularly in the lairs of the terrorists Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiyah (DI).

“With 500 elite troopers and light armor vehicle support, the SAF’s presence ensures rapid deployment and tactical superiority against lawless elements,” Mangahis said in a statement.

The SAF personnel were among the augmentation forces deployed to Maguindanao del Sur to help secure the historic Sept. 14 Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.

Mangahis stressed that SAF’s counter‑terrorism expertise provides a strong deterrent to threats, reinforcing stability in areas historically vulnerable to violence and disruption.

At least four municipalities in Maguindanao del Sur are known bailiwicks or areas of operation of the BIFF and DI, which the military designated as terrorist armed groups that repeatedly posed threats in the communities.

These are the contiguous towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha, or the so-called “SPMS box” in the military’s operational parlance.

Aside from the BIFF and DI, private armed groups that are engaged in rido (family feud) also pose threats to civilian communities.

Mangahis said the Maguindanao del Sur police provincial office and the SAF will jointly work to strengthen operational synergy against criminal groups in the area.

“This partnership enhances command and control, expands ground coverage, and ensures coordinated responses to emerging challenges,” Mangahis said.

He added that “by combining local knowledge with SAF’s tactical expertise, the joint effort maximizes efficiency in safeguarding communities, securing vital installations, and protecting borders from sabotage and other forms of destruction.”

Mangahis said keeping SAF forces in Maguindanao del Sur symbolizes the government’s “unwavering commitment to peace, order, and public safety.”

He noted that residents can be confident that proactive measures are in place to protect families, schools, and communities, fostering an environment where progress and development can thrive under the shield of security.

In January 2015, SAF commandos successfully killed Malaysian terrorist and bomb expert Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, where the BIFF coddled him.

However, the SAF lost 44 troopers in the operation after clashing with the members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in what was described as a “misencounter.”

At least 18 MILF members and several civilians were killed in the fierce gun battle.

In August 3 Maguindano del Sur town were declared insurgency free. With 24 municipalities that's only 21 more to go. 

Insurgency: Peaceful Tag

Once more the AFP has released another update on how many rebels and supporters have been neutralized since the beginning of the year. This is practically a weekly occurrence now. Is that because the year is almost over? Whatever the reason we can be 100% sure this report is going to be worthless because the AFP won't distinguish between actual rebels and mere supporters.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1284584

A total of 1,228 New People's Army (NPA) members and supporters were reported "neutralized" by combined military operations from Jan. 1 to Sept. 17 this year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday.

Of the total, about 1,101 surrendered, 48 arrested, and 79 were killed in various military operations during the period, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press briefing at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

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

In the same period, Padilla said a total of 777 firearms were either seized or surrendered, along with 301 anti-personnel mines and 45 NPA encampments were captured.

"If we look at the figures, around 1,101 are surrrenderees. This is significant because more and more people want to leave the armed activity and return to the fold of the government,” she said.

The military earlier said a total of 2,018 NPA and its supporters were neutralized in 2025, a total of 1,134 firearms and 531 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered and 149 encampments were captured.

Hold the phone! 1,101 surrenderees are "significant because more and more people want to leave the armed activity and return to the fold of the government?" But how many are actual armed rebels? Is she saying that the mere supporters are armed rebels too? That makes this count even more confusing when compared with the last official tally of 780 rebels left. 

More areas continue to be declared under a state of peace and stability. Northern Samar is closely reaching that goal as 19 more towns have earned that label. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1284460

With 19 of the 24 towns in Northern Samar declared as insurgency-free, the Philippine Army is confident that the New People’s Army’s (NPA) operating environment in the province has narrowed, particularly their ability to recruit members, establish influence, gain community support and disrupt government programs.

The latest to be declared is the formerly conflict-stricken town of Gamay, which was classified as insurgency-free on Sept. 18, 2026.

The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) on Monday said the growing number of municipalities in Northern Samar reaching a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) reflects continued cooperation among local governments, communities, security forces, and national government agencies.

“This cooperation is instrumental in maintaining peace and preventing the resurgence of armed-group influence,” the 8ID said in a statement.

The 8ID added that “sustaining peace requires more than security operations. It also involves ensuring that communities experience tangible improvements that reinforce their confidence in peaceful and lawful means of addressing their concerns.”

The SIPSC declaration of Gamay marks another step in the province’s efforts to sustain peace and security while creating greater space for government services, livelihood opportunities, investments and development initiatives, according to 8ID.

“With its SIPSC status, Gamay is positioned to further consolidate its security gains while directing greater attention and resources toward basic services, livelihood and economic opportunities, education, infrastructure, youth development and barangay-level initiatives,” the Army said.

Declared earlier as insurgency-free are the towns of Allen, Biri, Bobon, Capul, Catarman, Lavezares, Lope de Vega, Mondragon, Rosario, San Antonio, San Isidro, San Jose, San Vicente, Victoria, San Roque, Laoang, Lapinig and Palapag.

The 8ID also urged remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. It said those who surrender may avail themselves of government assistance, livelihood support, reintegration programs and other benefits intended to help them rebuild their lives. 

Sulu has also officially been declared under a a state of peace and stability.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/1003540/sulu-declared-stable-in-internal-peace-security-condition/story/

Sulu has been formally declared to be in a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) condition, the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Thursday.

In a statement, the DND said provincial and local leaders, as well as representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to sustain peace and security in Sulu.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also joined the local leaders and security officials in signing a Pledge of Commitment.

Teodoro described the declaration as a significant milestone for Sulu.

"This is the greatest gift parents can give to our children and grandchildren...Our struggle is for development and to maintain stable internal peace and security," he said.

Teodoro pointed out the importance of infrastructure, connectivity, education, and basic services in sustaining the gains of peace in the province.

SIPS areas are places where peace and security have become stable, with insurgency, armed conflict, and other major threats reduced to manageable levels.

This does not mean all threats are gone as the AFP, PNP, and other government agencies continue efforts to maintain peace and prevent violence from returning.

The declaration of SIPS condition means communities are stable and secure, allowing normal government operations, development programs, investments, and economic activities.

Now the task is to maintain development. That means constructing normal infrastructure such as roads, electric towers, and supplying other basic needs of the community. It is government service as counterinsurgency. 

In a matter of only two days 7 NPA rebels surrendered in Eastern Visayas. 

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/09/25/7-npa-members-surrender-across-eastern-visayas

Seven members and supporters of the New People’s Army surrendered to police units across Eastern Visayas in separate operations from 22 to 23 September, authorities said.

The Police Regional Office 8 said the surrenderees turned over firearms, ammunition and a grenade.

In Lapinig, Northern Samar, a 32-year-old farmer identified only as “Janos,” described by police as a Yunit Militia member under SRC EMPORIUM of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, surrendered on 22 September.

His surrender was facilitated by the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion and the 803rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8.

In Leyte, a former NPA member identified as “Manoy,” a 38-year-old farmer, surrendered a .357-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver, three rounds of ammunition and a hand grenade on the same day.

On 23 September, authorities facilitated the surrender of “Gabi,” a 51-year-old farmer from Jipapad, Eastern Samar, whom police identified as a Yunit Militia member and an individual listed in a Non-Periodic Status Report.

Also in Eastern Samar, “Pedro,” 38, and “Ben,” 39, both farmers, surrendered to authorities. Police identified them as NPSR-listed NPA members under SRC SESAME of the EVRPC.

The two also turned over firearms and ammunition.

In Samar, police facilitated the surrender of “Lando,” a 38-year-old farmer from Pinabacdao who was described as a former Yunit Militia member under Bugsok Platoon, SRC SESAME.

Another individual, “Wenang,” a 49-year-old farmer from Hinabangan, Samar, also surrendered and withdrew her support from the communist movement, police said.

PRO-8 Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño said authorities would continue encouraging remaining members of the communist armed movement to surrender.

"We want to give them a real chance to reform, live peacefully, and become productive parts of their communities," Cardiño said. 

The seven are under the custody of their respective units for documentation and assessment for possible enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and other reintegration initiatives.

The recovered firearms, ammunition and grenade are also under police custody for documentation and proper disposition.

Of course they will qualify for E-CLIP benefits. Free housing, food, money, and job training is enough to entice any sane person to lay down their arms.