Insurgency: Army Intensifies Hunt

The Army is aiming to declare Iloilo province insurgency-free by the end of the first quarter of 2026. But that doesn't mean the way it sounds. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/02/03/army-eyes-insurgency-free-status-for-iloilo

The 301st Infantry Brigade is aiming to free Iloilo province from the threat of insurgency.

Brig. Gen. Nhel Richard Patricio recently disclosed that the 301st IB has set a target of status reclassification by the first quarter of this year.

Iloilo is now qualified for Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) – an area that no longer is a stronghold of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing the New People's Army (NPA).

There are still small encounters but Patricio said these are remnants of disbanded major NPA groups.

The SIPS classification must be endorsed by the Iloilo Provincial Peace and Order Council headed by Gov. Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr.

Patricio said the SIPS classification will spur growth and development threatened by the CPP-NPA.

Capiz is the remaining province threatened by the CPP-NPA In Panay Island.

The province of Antique was placed under SIPS status last year while Aklan attained this in the 2010s.

See, the NPA still remains and engages in small encounters with the AFP. However they are apparently so insignificant that the AFP will be making this declaration in order to "spur growth and development threatened by the CPP-NPA." Remember, insurgency-free does not mean insurgent-free. 

In January 2026 47 Reds and other terrorists were neutralized by government forces. Let's see how they break that number down. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1268334

Around 47 communist insurgents and local terrorist group members were neutralized by military units nationwide from Jan. 1 to 29, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Wednesday.

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

This can be broken into 42 for the New People's Army (NPA) insurgents and supporters and five for local terrorist groups, the military added.

The 42 NPA members and supporters neutralized were broken down as follows: 35 surrendered, four arrested, and three killed in various military operations.

"A total of 51 firearms, and 18 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered, and five encampments seized," the AFP said.

Meanwhile, for the local terrorist groups, a total of five members and supporters of these groups surrendered, while six firearms were seized in the same period.

Last year, the military said that its units have neutralized 2,018 NPA and its supporters from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.  

Of the 2,018 communist insurgents and followers neutralized, 1,798 have surrendered with 93 arrested, and 127 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 also added that a total of 149 NPA encampments were captured in the same period. 

While they break down the numbers between NPA and non NPA terrorists they make no difference between NPA and NPA supporters. That is bad. Notice the claim that 2,018 NPA members and supporters were neutralized last year. But how many were actual NPA fighters? The last official count was 780 left but we shall more than like see that number inflated to a few thousand being neutralized this year with no difference made between supporters and fighters. 

The AFP has said the NPA is leaderless but leaders continue to pop up. One was recently slain in a clash with the Army. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2176036/top-npa-leader-in-negros-slain-in-clashes-with-ph-army

The alleged highest-ranking leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Negros was among two rebels killed in encounters with government troops in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, the Philippine Army said on Sunday, Feb. 1.

Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, identified the fatality as Reynaldo Erecre, alias “Amik,” the alleged secretary of the CPP-NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyon–Negros. 

Erecre was killed around 4 p.m. on Jan. 30, Friday, during an encounter with soldiers of the 94th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Bi-ao.

“That’s a major blow to the rebel movement,” Dumosmog said.

Erecre’s sister was set to claim his remains on Sunday afternoon, pending verification of her identity, he added.

Authorities were also coordinating with Roy Erecre, Reynaldo’s brother, for confirmation. 

Roy Erecre, a former National Democratic Front consultant, surrendered to Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado in November 2025, Dumosmog said.

Earlier on Jan. 30 at 2:50 a.m., another alleged NPA member, Regie Pacheco, alias “Dante,” was killed in a separate encounter in Barangay Bi-ao. He was identified as a finance and logistics officer and a member of the Regional Strike Force of the NPA’s Central Negros 2.

According to a 94th Infantry Battalion report, the encounter thwarted an alleged attempt by the armed group to sabotage government infrastructure projects in the area.

The group reportedly planned to burn heavy equipment being used for ongoing development work, but troops acted on timely information provided by residents.

In another incident, two more alleged NPA members were killed in an encounter with soldiers of the 47th Infantry Battalion in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, at 7:11 a.m. on Jan. 31. The fatalities remained unidentified as of Feb. 1, Dumosmog said.

The Army said the 47th IB launched focused military operations after receiving reports from residents of Barangays Sandayao and Binobohan about the presence of armed rebels. 

The operation resulted in an encounter, the deaths of the two suspects, and the recovery of an M-16 rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, a hand grenade, ammunition, and assorted subversive documents.

Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, urged remaining members of the communist armed movement to abandon the armed struggle and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs.

“Through these initiatives, you can avoid misfortune and death, reconcile with your families, and experience full healing within the community that has always cared for you,” Samson said.

Of course it's another major blow. These deaths are always touted to be such. Also note that the NPA presence in Negros Occidental is quite low but they still pose a major threat as they "planned to burn heavy equipment being used for ongoing development work." They were only thwarted due to good citizens reporting the matter. 

The death of this leader has emboldened the Army to sustain focused operations in the region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1268211

The Philippine Army on Monday vowed to sustain focused operations after foiling the attempt of New People's Army (NPA) remnants to sow violence and neutralizing a rebel leader in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental last week.

Reynaldo "Amik" Erecre, secretary of Komiteng Rehiyon (KR)-Negros, died in a clash with troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) in Sitio Apitong, Barangay Biao, in the afternoon of Jan. 30.

Earlier in the day, his comrade Regie "Dante" Pacheco was also killed in a gunfight in Sitio Hacienda Dama.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, lauded the 94IB for the successful operation, noting the crucial role of community cooperation.

"We will continue focused operations strengthened by civilian support to preserve peace and progress for every Negrense," he added.

Military reports showed remnants of the NPA Central Negros 2 and Regional Strike Force had planned to burn the heavy equipment used for ongoing infrastructure projects in Barangay Biao.

"Timely information from residents enabled swift action to prevent sabotage of government projects," Dumosmog said.

Lt. Col. Ziegfred Tayaban, commanding officer of 94IB, said the death of Erecre creates a "leadership vacuum" for the NPA in Negros Island.

"Considering that he is the regional secretary of KR-Negros, the loss will affect the leadership. It will have an effect on their plans to commit atrocities," he added.

Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, reiterated his call for peace, healing and reconciliation.

“We call on the remnants of the communist-terrorist group to abandon their terroristic way of life and return to the fold of the law," he said.

Samson said those who will leave the armed struggle can avail of the government’s reintegration programs, such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and the grant of amnesty.

It's very doubtful there is now a leadership vacuum.  Someone always steps up to fill the void. We have seen that time and time again. The NPA is a stubborn lot and will continue to operate as they have despite the triumphalism of the AFP.

The Army is intensifying its hunt versus fleeing rebels in a Samar clash. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1268329

The Philippine Army has intensified pursuit operations against remnants of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in San Jorge, Samar, following a recent armed encounter.

The Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) said on Wednesday that the pursuit operations aim to immediately locate the NPA rebels and deny them the opportunity to regroup or establish new positions.

Additional security measures have also been implemented to ensure the safety of nearby communities.

“Clearing operations and information gathering are being conducted in coordination with local authorities as part of efforts to sustain peace and security in the area,” the 8ID stated.

On Tuesday, troops of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Battalion (3IB) launched search operations against the rebels after an encounter in the upland village of Cagtoto-og in San Jorge town.

The patrolling 3IB troopers were responding to bursts of gunfire they heard in the village before the clash.

The soldiers immediately moved toward the area, resulting in an encounter with five NPA members. The rebel group later fled, leaving behind a firearm, several explosives, and subversive documents.

There were no casualties on the government side, the military said.

San Jorge town is located 138 km north of Tacloban and has some upland villages known as NPA hotspots due to frequent clashes and lair discoveries.

Samar remains on the of the last strongholds of the NPA as they are difficult to root out of the mountains. 

Insurgency: No Let-Up Ops

In the first three weeks of 2026, 27 NPA supporters and rebels have been neutralized. Let's see how the numbers break down. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1267862

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said around 27 New People's Army (NPA) communist insurgents and their supporters have been neutralized by ongoing government operations from Jan. 1 to 22.

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

Of the 27 NPA and supporters neutralized, 21 surrendered to government troops, three arrested and three killed during encounters with military units.

"A total of 36 firearms, 15 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered and five encampments were seized," the AFP said.

The military said that last year, its units have neutralized 2,018 NPA members and their supporters from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025.

Of the 2,018 communist insurgents and followers neutralized, 1,798 surrendered with 93 arrested, and 127 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 also added that a total of 149 NPA encampments were also captured from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 of last year. 

Unsurprisingly the AFP does not break down the numbers. How many were actual NPA members and how many were supporters? The difference is rather crucial in determining how many rebels are left. Leaving the numbers big and undifferentiated makes it sound as if the NPA threat is larger than it is. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1267778

Six members of the New People’s Army (NPA), all farmers, surrendered and turned over their firearms in three Samar provinces this week, the Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) reported on Tuesday.

In Northern Samar, the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (NSPMFC) facilitated the surrender on Sunday of alias "Mista," 44, a resident of Pambujan, identified as a unit militia commander. He surrendered an improvised 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition.

On the same day, the 803rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-8 led the surrender of alias "Reden," 33 and resident of Lope de Vega in Northern Samar.

Also in Northern Samar, the 2nd NSPMFC facilitated on Monday the surrender of alias "Bots," 35 and resident of Silvino Lobos, who turned over a .357 Magnum revolver and ammunition.

In Samar, the 2nd Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company led the surrender of alias “Rudy,” 55 and resident of Paranas, on Sunday. He gave up his .38-caliber revolver with a defaced serial number and formally withdrew support from the NPA.

Meanwhile, the 2nd Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company facilitated the surrender of alias "Randy," 62-year-old farmer and a resident of Giporlos town, also on Sunday.

The following day, joint police units led the surrender of alias "Tiki," 19 and a resident of Can-avid, who voluntarily turned over an improvised firearm and ammunition.

PRO-8 Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy commended the operating units for their dedication.

“These voluntary surrenders reflect the growing trust of our communities in the government’s efforts for peace and security. We remain committed to protecting the public while providing former CTG (communist terrorist group) embers the opportunity to return to a peaceful and productive life,” Capoy said in a news release.

The six are currently under police custody for proper documentation, debriefing and assessment.

They may also be enrolled under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to support their peaceful reintegration into society, according to PRO-8. Meanwhile, a former NPA member voluntarily surrendered the firearms as part of efforts to abandon armed struggle and return to peaceful civilian life, according to reports of 202nd Infantry Brigade on Tuesday.

In a news release on Tuesday, soldiers of the Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division (2ID) facilitated the recovery of firearms from the former NPA member in Antipolo City, Rizal on Jan. 26.

Recovered from the former NPA member were one M1 Carbine, ammunition, one improvised impactor shotgun and one 12-gauge slug.

In a statement, 2ID commander Maj. Gen. Ramon Zagala said the surrender of firearms reflects the continuing decline of the NPA’s armed capability and the growing willingness of former members to choose peace.

“This recovery demonstrates that sustained engagement, combined with the support of communities, continues to yield positive results. Each firearm surrendered denies armed groups the means to threaten lives and helps make our communities safer,” Zagala said.

The 2ID commended the operating troops of the 202nd Infantry Brigade and continues to encourage remaining members of armed groups to lay down their arms and avail themselves of government programs aimed at reintegration and the promotion of lasting peace and security across Southern Tagalog. 

At least these seven are identified as being definitely NPA members. Don't forget the last estimate of remaining rebels, given in December 2025,  is 780. 

The 10th Infantry Division is eyeing to make Caraga insurgency-free this year. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/29/10th-id-eyes-insurgency-free-status-in-caraga

The Philippine Army 10th Infantry Division is targeting full insurgency-free status in Northeastern Mindanao or the Caraga region this year, with seven municipalities still awaiting administrative clearance for formal declaration. 

Speaking during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps briefing at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, Major Ruben Gadut, chief of the 10th ID Public Affairs Office, reported there are no active New People’s Army units in its area. 

Gadut clarified that the official declaration of full insurgency-free status for the remaining towns depends on the completion of the required documentation by concerned local government units and their peace and order councils. 

He said armed threat has been neutralized and that the delay in the declaration is purely procedural. Gadut added that while their division covers a wide operational area across several regions, the pending declaration is mainly in the northern part of its jurisdiction. 

In Agusan del Sur province, the municipalities of Loreto, Bunawan, Trento, Santa Josefa, San Francisco, and Veruela, as well as one barangay in La Paz, are still awaiting official recognition as insurgency-free. In Surigao del Sur, only Lingig town has yet to be declared cleared. 

Areas in the second district of North Cotabato province, parts of Sarangani province, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and all 10 municipalities in Bukidnon are insurgency free, according to Gadut. 

The 10th ID reported that 92 former members of dismantled units under the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee surrendered on Jan. 27 during a mass surrender ceremony in Barangay Santo Niño in Talaingod town, Davao del Norte. 

Gadut said the surrenderers were from various dismantled guerrilla fronts, Pulang Bagani Commands, and regional headquarters. He added that the 60th Infantry Battalion facilitated the activity in coordination with local government officials. 

Surrenderers turned over 29 firearms. They received immediate financial assistance and food packs from LGUs to support their reintegration. 

Brig. Gen. Christopher Diaz, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, presented them and described the event as the beginning of a new phase of peace and cooperation. He added that this is an embrace of peace. 

Major Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, said the surrender marks a significant step towards sustained development in the region. He added that progress is achieved when communities and government work together. 

Luzon said the mass surrender reinforces the division’s efforts to maintain insurgency-free conditions in the Davao region and to prevent the reorganization of communist terrorist groups. 

The SMRC was previously regarded as one of the strongest pillars of the communist movement due to its influence over resource-rich areas in the Davao region, including parts of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao City. 

Their surrender further reduced the risk of resurgence in previously affected areas. “Now, Talaingod town is shifting toward tourism and agricultural development,” Luzon added.

It seems as of the province is already insurgency-free and only waits an official declaration which includes the burning of the communist flag, the releasing of doves, and the influx of NTF-ELCAC money for Barangay development. 

In Mindanao the AFP is intensifying their efforts against insurgents after several attacks. One attack was in Basilan and wounded two soldiers. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1267806

Pursuit operations are underway against an armed attacker of two Army soldiers in Tipo-Tipo town of the province on Monday afternoon.

“This attack on our personnel is an assault on the security and stability of our communities,” Brig. Gen. Frederick Sales, the Army’s 1101st Infantry Brigade commander, said in a statement Tuesday.

“We are leveraging all available resources—from ground reconnaissance to coordination with local law enforcement and community leaders—to locate and apprehend the suspect without delay,” he added.

Police and military authorities identified the wounded victims as PFC Mark Anthony Libo-on, 23, and PFC Jomare Sadjail, both of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB).

Police investigation showed the victims were purchasing basic necessities at a community store some 200 meters away from their camp when shot around 5:28 p.m. Monday.

The Tipo-Tipo police has activated dragnet operations with neighboring police stations, while the 45IB has launched hot pursuit operations in the mountainous terrain to track down the perpetrator.

Both soldiers suffered gunshot wounds and were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Recovered at the crime scene were two empty shells from a .45 pistol.

Sales assured the public that the military and police are taking every measure to strengthen security in Tipo-Tipo and prevent similar incidents.

The other attack was in Lanao del Sur which resulted in the deaths of four soldiers. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2172425/4-philippine-army-soldiers-killed-1-wounded-in-ambush-by-maute-linked-militants-in-lanao-del-norte

Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete vowed there would be “no let-up” in operations after four Philippine Army soldiers were killed and another wounded in an ambush Friday in Barangay Liningding, Munai, Lanao del Norte.

The soldiers were attacked by militants believed to be from the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG), the Army said. 

In a statement, it condemned the assault as “heinous and cowardly” and expressed condolences to the families of the fallen troops.

“We mourn the loss of our four valiant troops who made the ultimate sacrifice in safeguarding communities in Lanao del Norte,” the Army said, pledging “full and unwavering support” to their families. It added that operations would be intensified in coordination with law enforcement, local government units and partner communities “to go after the remaining DI-MG terrorists in the area.”

“There will be no let up in our operations until justice is served. No safe haven will remain for the terrorists who carried out this treacherous attack,” Nafarrete said.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-Ala told reporters the troops were conducting a community support program, a non-combat mission to assist local residents, when they were ambushed. 

He described the attack as “treacherous and terrorist” in nature and said it appeared retaliatory, aimed at showing the group’s continued strength in the area and punishing communities supportive of government programs.

“Because the community is very supportive of our troops and the national government, they wanted to reclaim control, so they carried out this attack,” Dema-Ala said.

The soldiers were traveling in a private vehicle near a river crossing when the ambush occurred. Dema-Ala added that the attackers used high-powered weapons, but there was almost no firefight because the assault was sudden and targeted.

In a separate statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it launched immediate pursuit, clearing, and security operations following the ambush at around 10:20 a.m. 

It confirmed that the troops were conducting non-combat activities and that medical evacuation and reinforcements were immediately dispatched to secure the area, attend to casualties and stabilize the situation.

“The wounded personnel is receiving the utmost medical attention,” the AFP said. 

AFP units are intensifying actions to locate and neutralize the perpetrators. They are also working to prevent further threats to civilians and ensure the safety and stability of affected communities.

The Philippine National Police also confirmed the incident and said it is assisting the military in the ongoing pursuit of the attackers.

The AFP has also intensified operations in Maguindanao del Sur which has resulted in the death of one soldier. The operations have also caused locals to flee the area.  

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1267873

Military authorities have intensified their operation against the local terrorist group Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) in the mountains of Maguindanao del Sur, officials said on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said the operation was launched after civilians alerted the 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB) about the presence of DI-Hassan Group in the mountains of Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town in the province.

The combat operation so far left one soldier killed and another wounded, both from 90IB. The injured trooper sustained minor wounds in the skirmishes and is now receiving medical attention.

Casualties on the side of the terrorists are yet to be determined.

About 80 families from remote sub-villages of the town have fled to safer grounds following skirmishes that erupted between military forces and the DI group on Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, the 6ID commander, said the Army particularly launched decisive operations against the terror group in Sitio Bagurot, Barangay Tuayan Mother, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao del Sur, due to regrouping activities.

“There will be no letup in our combat operations against the remnants of DI-Hassan Group until this faction is eradicated,” Cagara said in a statement Wednesday.

Evacuees are now at Barangay Tuayan Mother's covered court, where officials provided food and non-food items.

Who knows but some of theses families are either harboring DI men or are aware of what they are up to. That was exactly the case in Marawi just before the siege. 

Insurgency: Terrorism Financing

The AFP has airdropped leaflets persuading extermists to surrender. Will such a tactic even work?  Or will it just be so much litter?

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2170116/army-air-force-airdrop-leaflets-to-persuade-extremists-to-surrender

The Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Sunday, Jan. 18, conducted aerial leaflet dropping in Maguindanao del Sur as part of its campaign against loose firearms and violent extremism.

Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, 601st brigade commander, said in a statement that several bundles of leaflets, written in the Maguindanaon language, had been dropped in the towns of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Shariff Aguak, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Mamasapano, and nearby areas, containing messages in a mixture of Tagalog and Maguindanaon, telling lawless elements, including the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiyah, to accept the government’s offer of peace.

“Surrender with your firearms to military and police authorities in Maguindanao del Sur. The local governments and the military are ready to assist you,” the leaflet reads. It also contained mobile numbers of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade and the Maguindanao del Sur provincial police office.

“This is part of our continuing efforts to bring about peace, not only in Maguindanao del Sur, but also in other parts of the region,” Catu said.  

Maguindanao del Sur is one of the five provinces in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

He stressed that the leaflet dropping activities aimed to convince remnants of BIFF–Bungos faction and DI-Hassan Group to avail of the government’s serious peace offer.

Major General Jose Vladimir R. Cagara, 6th Infantry Division commander, lauded the 601st brigade for the efforts even as he urged the remnants of DI and the BIFF to lay down their guns, grab the opportunity to live peacefully with their loved ones, and abandon violent extremism.

Cagara also urged local government units in Maguindanao del Sur to help promote the national government’s reconciliation and disarmament programs. 

Well, lo and behold it worked! At least they persuaded one man to surrender. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1267425

A Moro extremist surrendered with his rifle to military authorities this week following a leaflet-dropping operation in Maguindanao del Sur, the Army reported Wednesday.

Sala Guiaman Guiamadel, a member of an extremist group, turned himself and an M16 rifle in to the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade, the command said in a statement.

Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, the brigade commander, along with Mamasapano Mayor Akmad A. Ampatuan Jr., welcomed Guiamadel's surrender.

On Sunday, Philippine Air Force helicopters dropped leaflets urging members of the Dawlah Islamiyah and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to surrender and accept government peace offers.

Catu said the mission was non-combative and aimed to counter misinformation.

Maj. Gen. Vladimir Cagara, the Army's 6th Infantry Division commander, praised the surrender and urged other militants to follow.

In a separate event Wednesday in Datu Anggal Midtimbang town, local officials and residents turned over eight high-powered firearms to the military as part of a disarmament program.

Town Mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang pledged continued support for the initiative, saying it benefits community peace. 

Of course correlation does not equal causation. Maybe he was determined to surrender before the leaflets were airdropped. No doubt he will be able to apply for amnesty and livelihood aid. 

Former conflict-stricken areas in Leyte are receiving livelihood aid packages. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1267284

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Leyte provincial office on Monday distributed the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) business kits to 114 members of the Integrated Peace and Development Workers’ Association (IPDWA) in Baybay City, Ormoc City, and the town of Hilongos in Leyte.

The assistance forms part of the government’s livelihood and peacebuilding efforts for residents of areas previously affected by armed conflict and former rebels.

The livelihood packages include sari-sari store kits, rice-retailing packages, and hog-raising starter kits aimed at supporting income generation and economic recovery.

Of the total beneficiaries, 51 IPDWA members are from Baybay City, 23 from Ormoc City, and 40 from Hilongos.

Representatives from the 93rd Infantry Battalion said livelihood programs help promote peace and community strength by enabling beneficiaries to become self-reliant and productive.

DTI Leyte Provincial Director Faustino Gayas Jr. said the PPG program aims to help beneficiaries rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Gayas said the continued implementation of the program reflects the government’s whole-of-nation approach to peace, recovery, and long-term development in the province.

“We are thankful to our partner stakeholders since continued implementation of the PPG program forms part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to advancing peace, recovery, and long-term development in the province,” he added.

The distribution of livelihood kits also highlights the strong partnership between the DTI and the Philippine Army in supporting socio-economic programs for communities in Leyte. 

Business kits? Are these kits available to law abiding citizens? Can one walk into a DTI office and apply for that kind of assistance? This kind of help is available through the Livelihood Seeding Program-Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay.

One NPA member was killed in a firefight in Sorsogon. 

https://www.brigadanews.ph/npa-member-killed-firearms-seized-in-sorsogon-encounter/

One member of New People’s Army was killed, and high-powered firearms were seized following an encounter with government troops in Sorsogon province on Tuesday morning, military officials said.

Troops from the 31st Infantry Battalion clashed with members of the New People’s Army at the boundary of Barangay Banban in Donsol town and Barangay Catamlangan in Pilar town at about 9 a.m. on Jan. 20, 2026.

The fatality was identified as Bernardo Bodigon, also known as “Rico,” who was described by the military as a remnant of Sub-Regional Committee 3 under the Bicol Regional Party Committee.

Soldiers recovered two M16 rifles, assorted equipment and one improvised explosive device from the encounter site. Military officials said the use of improvised explosive devices is prohibited due to the danger they pose to civilians in nearby communities.

The group involved in the clash was reportedly led by Edgar Calag, also known as “Lucio,” who is wanted for multiple criminal cases, including murder and rape, according to the military.

Pursuit operations are ongoing to locate the remaining members of Sub-Regional Committee 3 in the area, the Army said.

Lt. Col. Clint Chester De Ocampo, commanding officer of the 31st Infantry Battalion, said Calag has been using the NPA as cover for his alleged criminal activities and stressed that crimes committed against civilians must be answered with justice.

Brig. Gen. Emil Cruz, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, said the operation was part of efforts to maintain peace and security, particularly in rural areas. He urged remaining NPA members to surrender, saying their families are waiting for them.

The 31st Infantry Battalion operates under the 901st Infantry Brigade, which is responsible for security operations in Donsol and Pilar towns in Sorsogon, as well as the first and second districts of Albay province.

He won't be getting any livelihood assistance or amnesty. 

A journalist and another activist were recently convicted of financing terrorism. The case seems quite problematic. Rights groups and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines call it a travesty of justice based on lies.  

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/01/22/2502763/web-lies-used-convict-journalist-frenchie-cumpio-say-rights-groups

Rights groups are calling the conviction of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio on Thursday, January 22, a "miscarriage of justice" that resulted from a deliberate plot by the NTF-ELCAC to crush independent journalism in the country.

Judge Georgina Perez of the Regional Trial Court Branch 45 in Tacloban City sentenced Cumpio, 26, and lay worker Marielle Domequil, 28, to at least 12 years in prison for allegedly funding the New People's Army in 2019, while acquitting both on weapons charges. 

The verdict comes after more than six years of detention for Cumpio and Domequil, arrested in a February 2020 raid that rights groups say was designed to punish the journalist's coverage of military abuses in Eastern Visayas. 

Cumpio's case is well-known by rights groups and press freedom groups worldwide and had drawn the attention of Amal Clooney's Clooney Foundation for Justice, support from hundreds of journalists worldwide, and a 2024 prison visit from United Nations Special Rapporteur Irene Khan.

Press freedom groups had closely watched the case as a test of whether the Marcos administration would break from its predecessor's pattern of using terrorism charges to silence journalists. 

Cumpio has long maintained her innocence, and observers say her conviction now threatens to set a precedent for prosecuting community reporters who cover military abuses. 

'Justice system weaponized'

"This conviction is a blatant affirmation of how the justice system is being weaponized through NTF-ELCAC's lies and persecution," said Cristina Palabay, secretary general of human rights alliance KARAPATAN. "Frenchie and Marielle were not targeted because of evidence, but because of who they are and the work they do among the people."

Palabay said the acquittal on weapons charges confirms the accusations were fabricated from the start. "Yet the same web of lies, perjured testimonies, and manufactured intelligence was used to railroad the remaining conviction," she said. 

The charges stemmed from allegations that in 2019, in Catbalogan, Samar, Cumpio and Domequil delivered cash and provided logistical support to the NPA, violating the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act.

Palabay said the prosecution failed to establish the essential elements of terrorism financing, relying instead on intelligence claims treated as facts and testimonies that "collapsed under scrutiny."

"For nearly six years, Frenchie and Marielle endured prolonged detention, multiple criminal cases, asset freezing, and relentless red-tagging, all without credible, direct, or independent evidence," Palabay said. "Today's conviction institutionalizes lies and fabrications as acceptable substitutes for proof."

Kyle Domequil, Marielle's sister and convenor of the Free Tacloban 5 Network, said the verdict "prolongs the suffering" of the two women and their families.

"We reject this ruling and condemn the state's continued use of the courts as instruments of political persecution," the network said. "We stand with Frenchie and Marielle, with their families and communities, and with all political prisoners under the Marcos Jr. administration—now 761 strong as of February 2025."

'Partial victory'

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) called the weapons acquittal a partial victory but condemned the terrorism financing conviction.

"The verdict is an injustice, especially in light of a Court of Appeals reversal in the forfeiture case for the money confiscated in their arrest," NUJP said. "We have held from the start that the charges against them are trumped up and are products of a questionable arrest and testimony from dubious witnesses."

The group said the conviction does not bode well for the media's ability to report on issues without fear of reprisal and retribution.

"Her case has been emblematic of the challenged state of press freedom, and more broadly of freedom of speech and expression, in the Philippines," NUJP said.

International condemnation

Reporters Without Borders and members of the #FreeFrenchieMaeCumpio coalition were present in court for the verdict, alongside representatives from Switzerland, Czech Republic and New Zealand as part of the Media Freedom Coalition.

"We are appalled by this verdict," said Aleksandra Bielakowska, RSF Asia-Pacific Bureau advocacy manager. "The RSF investigations and evidence presented in court by Frenchie Mae Cumpio's lawyers clearly show how fabricated this case has been from the very beginning."

Bielakowska called the conviction "a devastating failure on the part of the Philippine justice system and the authorities' blatant disregard for press freedom."

"The Philippines should serve as an international example of protecting media freedom—not a perpetrator that red-tags, prosecutes and imprisons journalists simply for doing their work," she said. "This sentence only highlights the systemic issues in the country and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms."

The Committee to Protect Journalists also condemned the verdict and called on authorities to immediately free Cumpio. 

"This absurd verdict shows that the various pledges made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to uphold press freedom are nothing but empty talk," said Beh Lih Yi, CPJ Asia-Pacific director. "Although the journalist was cleared on the charge of illegal possession of firearms, the ruling underscores the lengths that Philippine authorities are willing to go to silence critical reporting."

Last year, in 2025, the Court of Appeals reversed the forfeiture case for terror financing saying there is another credible evidence these ladies were connected to the CPP-NPA. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/11/06/2485318/ca-voids-forfeiture-case-vs-journalist-cumpio-activist-domequil

The Court of Appeals (CA) has voided the forfeiture case previously filed against journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and human rights advocate Mariel Domequil.

In a 27-page ruling dated October 29, the appellate court reversed the decision of the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC), which had granted the civil forfeiture case brought by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

The amount seized by the AMLC in December 2022 totaled P557,360.

“The Court cannot countenance the hasty labelling of human rights advocates as terrorists and the speedy confiscation of their funds and property in the name of national security. Measures to counter terrorism must not be done without due process, and at the expense of individuals, groups, and civil society organizations that are engaged in the promotion and defense of human rights. It must be emphasized that enshrined in ATA’s declaration of policy is the state’s duty to protect life, liberty, and property. To permit the forfeiture of property and funds without strict observance of the guidelines laid down in the ATA, the ATA-IRR, and other relevant laws, would thus be tantamount to committing the evil which the ATA sought to avoid. It would erode the public’s trust in the state’s capacity to manage threats to national security and address the root causes of terrorism.”

What led to the forfeiture: Cumpio and Domequil were initially arrested on Feb. 7, 2020, following a police raid in Tacloban City based on allegations of illegal possession of firearms and membership in the New People's Army.

During the raid, authorities seized a cash box containing P557,360. Subsequently, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group requested that this money be forfeited to the government.

The Manila RTC sided with the police, ruling that there was sufficient reason to believe the seized funds were linked to unlawful activity under the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

The RTC placed the funds under the custody of the AMLC and ordered their forfeiture. This decision ultimately led Cumpio and Domequil to file their petition with the CA.

What is civil forfeiture? According to the AMLC, civil forfeiture refers to the “non-conviction-based proceedings aimed at forfeiting, in favor of the government, monetary instruments or properties related to an unlawful activity or money laundering offense.”

Ruling. The CA, however, did not affirm the ruling of the RTC.

Wrong governing law. According to the CA, the RTC failed to apply the law for terrorism-related civil forfeiture.

The CA said that the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA) and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) impliedly repealed the civil forfeiture provisions concerning terrorism financing found in the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012 (TFPSA).

“Given the all-encompassing approach of the ATA in the state’s efforts to prevent and suppress terrorism along the politico-legal framework of the TFPSA, the Court is therefore of the view that the ATA and the ATA-IRR impliedly repealed the civil forfeiture provisions of the TFPSA,” the ruling read.

“Hence, insofar as the provisions on terrorism and civil forfeiture in the AMLA and the TFPSA are concerned, the guidelines laid down in the ATA and the ATA-IRR must govern,” it added.

Failure to prove lawful designation. The appellate court said that the AMLC failed to demonstrate that Cumpio and Domequil were lawfully designated as terrorists.

The CA, citing a Supreme Court ruling, explained that Cumpio and Domequil were only “designated” by the AMLC as terrorists based on the automatic adoption of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Consolidated List, which is a mode of designation under the ATA.

However, the court said that the AMLC failed to provide proof of Cumpio and Domequil’s designation as their names do not appear on any of the documents presented or in the list published by the UNSC.

“The allegations against Cumpio and Domequil, whose names do not appear on any of the documents presented or in the list published by the UNSC, can hardly qualify as a designation under the first mode in Rule VI,” the appellate court’s ruling read.

“A careful review of the evidence at hand, moreover, reveals that there is a dearth of reason to believe that the respondents-appellants were or are connected to the CPP-NPA,” it added.

So, one court says they are not engaged in terrorism financing and another court says they are. How is this possible? Of course, the NTF-ELCAC has welcomed their conviction. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1267508

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday welcomed the ruling of a regional trial court convicting two activists of financing terrorism.

NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said the conviction of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Marielle Domequil by Regional Trial Court Branch 45 in Tacloban City is proof that the justice system works independently and on the basis of evidence.

RTC Branch 45, a designated anti-terrorism court, presided over by Judge Georgina Perez, found Cumpio and Domequil guilty of terrorism financing under Republic Act 10168.

The court, however, cleared them of illegal possession of firearms and explosives charges.

The International Monetary Funds defines terrorism financing as involving the raising and processing of funds to supply terrorists with resources.

“We welcome and respect the ruling,” Torres said while stressing that the case was supported by sworn testimonies, financial records and material evidence showing the deliberate handling of funds for a terrorist organization, acts penalized under the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act.

Torres added that the acquittal on the firearms case strengthened the credibility of the judiciary.

“The same court that acquitted them of one charge convicted them of another after a full trial. This demolishes claims of political persecution and shows judicial independence,” he said.

The two were among the “Tacloban 5,” arrested in a Feb. 7, 2020 raid on alleged communist safe houses. Authorities seized firearms, grenades, communist flags and more than PHP557,000 in cash during the operation.

Cumpio was then executive director of alternative news outlet Eastern Vista, while Domequil worked as a lay worker for the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines.

Their co-accused Philip Abinguna of Karapatan, Mira Legion of Bayan and Marissa Cabaljao of People Surge are out on bail while their cases remain pending.

Again, how is this possible? The NTF-ELCAC says the case was "supported by sworn testimonies, financial records and material evidence showing the deliberate handling of funds for a terrorist organization." Yet the Court of Appeals rejected that testimony. The only solution will be for the Court of Appeals to make a ruling on this conviction.