Insurgency: NPA Strength Down to 780

The NTF-ELCAC has given an official update as to the remaining NPA strength. Now there are only 780 fighters left. 

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

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

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

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

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

"That's why we need the support of the media, for us to tell the public in general so that it (programs) would reach 'yung mga kapatid natin na nasa bundok pa (our countrymen who are still in the mountains)," Torres said.

Among these government initiatives are the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which assists former rebels in their reintegration into mainstream society, and the amnesty program.

"The Barangay Development Program (BDP), which is our flagship initiative, stands as the clearest proof that development is the most enduring path to peace," Torres said, referring to the task force's initiative aimed at bringing development to conflict-affected communities.

"Over the past seven years, we have seen how communities once isolated by conflict are now emerging as centers of hope, partnership and opportunity," he said.

Torres said there are more than 4,800 formerly conflict-affected barangays that have benefited from BDP in the form of roads, classrooms, water systems, electrification, health stations, and livelihood support.

"The gains we celebrate are real, but they must be protected. We cannot afford complacency," the NTF-ELCAC official said. "Sustaining peace requires unity of purpose, good governance and continued support from all sectors, especially from the communities who stand to benefit the most." 

Lots of things to note here. First of all is this new count is only down 331 men from the estimated 1,111 during the last official count released in November, 2024. 

(In terms of the strength of the New People's Army, they are really weak. So they only have about 1,111 fighters left from the 2,200 last year. So that is a big reduction in their manpower. And in terms of firearms, the reduction is the same, about 1,000 firearms have been reduced.)

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/926473/afp-npa-4-weakened-fronts-1-100-rebels/story/

Since that last count thousands of supporters and rebels have surrendered. But this new count, if accurate, reveals that only 331 rebels have surrendered in the last year. That means the numbers the AFP releases about surrenderees are both conflated and inflated. 

The second thing to note is that the NTF-ELCAC "did not identify the source of the report nor give additional details regarding its contents." Why should we believe them? 

The third thing to note is that this report is very sure "these NPA remnants are holed up in the mountains, with some curious about the various programs the government is offering to former rebels." The scared rebel remnants are cautiously sticking out their heads to see what programs the government is offering and testing the winds to surrender at the right time. However, a COA audit says the DND has barely tapped millions of funds intended for use by the NTF-ELCAC.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/12/02/2491413/coa-flags-dnd-barely-tapping-millions-ntf-elcac-funds

The Department of National Defense only used roughly a third of the funds it received for programs under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) from 2020 to 2024, leaving most of the money unspent and forcing the return of more than P7.6 million to government coffers. 

This was one of several observations by the Commission on Audit for the DND in the annual audit reports it released on Monday, December 1. 

Since 2020, COA said the DND has been allotted a total of P14.3 million in NTF-ELCAC funds. But the department obligated only P4.6 million, or 31.8%. The remaining P9.8 million was left untouched, with P7.6 million eventually reverting to the national treasury. 

In its report, COA said DND's “low over-all utilization rate… indicates inefficiencies in fund administration” and delays in carrying out programs intended to support counterinsurgency efforts.

he Duterte-era task force has faced sustained criticism under the Marcos administration, with progressive groups and opposition lawmakers saying it has been used primarily to red-tag activists rather than carry out development projects. They have pressed for its abolition and for its budget to be realigned to education and social services. 

Security officials and the DND itself — the task force member most responsible for internal security operations — have defended the task force as it purportedly roots out rebels through barangay development programs, among others.

But the audit report released Monday shows that even within the defense department, NTF-ELCAC funds have gone largely unused.

According to COA, the unspent allotments translated into “missed opportunities” to carry out projects aimed at peace and development in conflict-affected communities — the task force’s core mandate under Executive Order No. 70, issued in 2018 under former President Rodrigo Duterte.  

Restructuring. The DND initially created an NTF-ELCAC core group in 2019, but later abolished this through a March 2023 department circular that set new counterinsurgency policies and established the DND NTF-ELCAC Management Office. COA noted that this office is supposed to oversee all programs and activities tied to the task force’s goals.

Despite this restructuring, auditors said the department still failed to carry out and obligate most of its allotted funds. 

Next steps. COA recommended the DND to maximize the utilization of NTF-ELCAC funds by "identifying programs and projects, ensuring their alignment with the objective of attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, and ensuring that they are implemented to achieve intended impact.

The department, COA said, agreed with the recommendation during its exit conference on March 31, 2025.

This is very important information the public should know about. Yet, it will likely not provoke any outrage from the public or government officials. How can the NTF-ELCAC claim rebels are ready to surrender when the very programs meant to support them are barely funded? As of this writing no one has offered a comment. Despite this severe underutilization of funds the NTF-ELCAC is touting its Barangay Development Program and urging the public to help sustain the gains. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264650

A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has called on the public to help the government maintain and protect the hard-won gains against the communist insurgents and its allies.

"The gains are real, but they are fragile if we grow complacent. Peace is not the job of one agency. It is the shared responsibility of a whole nation,” NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said as the anti-communist body celebrated its 7th year anniversary Thursday night.

He also called on all Filipinos for sustained unity and vigilance.

“If we want conflict never to return, if we want communities to remain safe, if we want our children to grow up free from fear, then we must all defend unity, protect peace, and sustain inclusive development," Torres stressed.

He highlighted the Barangay Development Program (BDP) as a cornerstone of the government’s peace strategy in achieving these gains.

Since 2021, the BDP has delivered PHP36.82 billion worth of projects to 4,830 formerly conflict-affected barangays, benefiting more than 15.8 million Filipinos.

“Development – not terror – wins. These are real roads, classrooms, water systems, health stations, and livelihood projects that extremists can never provide,” Torres said.

Responding to calls to defund the program, Torres clarified that NTF-ELCAC does not handle BDP funds.

“Barangays identify their needs, local governments implement the projects, and we ensure transparency and strict monitoring,” he said, stressing that “attacking the BDP is an attack on the poorest communities.”

Torres also reported significant gains in reintegration through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the government’s Amnesty Program.

From 2019 to 2025, a total of 50,907 individuals from various threat groups have returned to the fold of the law, including 15,670 New People's Army members, and over 10,000 firearms were surrendered nationwide.

“Thousands of former rebels are choosing the path of peace. They are returning to society with restored rights, livelihood, and renewed hope," Torres said.

“These are not negotiations on paper – these are concrete collapses of armed structures,” he said.

Just as concerning as the 31% utilization rate of funds since 2020 are the numbers of alleged NPA surrenders.  The NTF-ELCAC claims that  15,670 NPA members have surrendered between 2019 and 2025. That is number is preposterous. In 2021, the AFP said 3,684 NPA had surrendered between 2016 and 2021

Navy Captain Ferdinand Buscato, executive director of the government’s Task Force Balik-Loob, said the 17,958 returnees from July 1, 2016 to May 28, 2021 include 3,684 New People's Army (NPA) regulars, 2,039 members of the Militia ng Bayan, 1,736 from underground mass organizations, 636 from Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad, and 7,074 communist mass supporters.

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2021/06/insurgency-kill-terrorism.html

That same year the NTF-ELCAC claimed there were only 4,000 NPA regulars left. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1439527/esperon-sees-police-leading-counterinsurgency-if-npa-numbers-fall-by-1500-fighters

The police could take the lead role in dealing with communist insurgency once New People’s Army (NPA) strength has declined by 1,500 fighters, according to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon on Monday (May 31).

There are still currently 4,000 regular NPA members, according to Esperon, who is also vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac).

“Personally, this is just personal, if we could reduce the strength by another 1,500 then they can become a concern for the police, like they are already bandits,” Esperson said at an online press briefing.

If there were only 4,000 NPA regulars in 2021 then the surrender of 15,670 between 2019 and 2025 is impossible! Every time I have examined the numbers of alleged surrenders versus alleged remaining NPA the numbers have come up short. 

Again, the government, via the NTF-ELCAC, claims they want to keep cleared villages free from NPA influence. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264485

The government has moved toward ensuring that barangays formerly controlled by the New People's Army (NPA) remain free of the communist rebels' influence.

"This ensures that hard-won peace is irreversible and that communities once trapped in fear now move toward stability, governance, and development," the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said Wednesday.

In a statement, the anti-communist body said this is a "decisive new phase" of its peace campaign aimed at securing, sustaining, and insulating the barangays from NPA influence.

"This new phase signals a clear national resolve: no liberated barangay will fall back into fear. No hard-won peace will be surrendered," it said.

This step is included in the Joint Regional Task Force (JRTF) Operational Plans that National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC Vice Chairman Eduardo Año approved during the task force's Inter-Regional and Inter-Cluster Summit held in Quezon City on Nov. 27 and 28.

Año's approval, the NTF-ELCAC said, affirms the plans' alignment with national peace and development priorities and authorizes their synchronized nationwide implementation.

During the event, NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. challenged participants – leaders of all JRTFs and National Clusters – to anchor the implementation of the plans on integrity, unity, and accountability.

"Treat these plans not as mere documents, but as our shared pledge to the Filipino people. Let us be honest in our assessments. Bold in our ideas. Firm in our accountability. And united in our commitment to Build Peace Better," Torres told the participants.

But with a 31% utilization rate over the past five years cumulatively that does not pan out. Where is the money going? The NTF-ELCAC needs to be audited.

Another non-existent NPA leader has been killed in a firefight.  This time in Negros. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/02/npa-leader-killed-in-negros-occidental-clash

A squad leader of the dismantled Central Negros 2 (CN2) of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday morning, Dec. 2.

Lt. Col. Ziegfred Tayaban, 94th IB commander, identified the fatality as Ka Marcos, a resident of Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City.

Tayaban said that Ka Marcos was allegedly involved in the killings of civilians in Himamaylan City, Kabankalan City, and Binalbagan in Negros Occidental.

Tayaban said troops responded to a report from relatives of an NPA couple alleging that some communist rebels were extorting from farmers in the hinterland barangay.

While the soldiers were scouring the area, they encountered at least five NPA rebels past 7 a.m. No injuries were reported on the government side.

Recovered from the encounter site were an M16 rifle, several ammunition, grenades, subversive documents, NPA flag, and personal belongings.

Tayaban said the body of the slain rebel is still at the encounter site. They will be coordinating with the local government. Pursuit operation is ongoing against the fleeing rebels.

He said that no civilians were harmed or affected in the firefight.

Tayaban said the death of Ka Marcos will affect the rebel group in their attempt to regain the support of the community. He said this may serve as warning to those who are still with the armed struggle to surrender.

Funny how the allegedly leaderless NPA keeps giving up leaders to the fight. The AFP is also passing this off as a big blow but that's what they always say. 

In Samar two soldiers were killed in a firefight with the NPA. The Army has said they will not let up.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264560

The Philippine Army (PA) has vowed relentless operations against New People's Army (NPA) "remnants" following Wednesday's clash in Samar that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.

In a statement Wednesday night, PA chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete called on the remaining NPA members to "abandon armed struggle and pursue peaceful reintegration."

"We will have no letup as troops continue to track down and pursue communist terrorist group remnants," he warned.

Nafarette issued the statement following the clash between the 46th Infantry Battalion and NPA rebels in San Jose de Buan, Samar on the wee hours of Wednesday where two soldiers were killed.

Initial information revealed that the two fatalities are both technical sergeants, but the PA has yet to officially release their names.

The clash was triggered by reports of NPA presence in upland Barangay Babaclayon where the insurgents forcibly occupied private properties and used them as hideouts.

"Our fallen soldiers served with courage and dedication, and their sacrifice will not be forgotten," Nafarette said of the two fatalities.

"Security operations will continue, to ensure the protection of local communities."

The PA commander also assured the families of the two soldiers of the military's full support during what he described as a "difficult time."

The fourth-class San Jose de Buan town 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.

And as they say this another year comes to a close.  Another year full of the same promises and swagger. Another year full of the dead. 

Insurgency: Spy-Tagging Killings

Another NPA leader has been killed in an encounter with the AFP. Isn't funny how the APF claimed there were no more leaders in the NPA and leaders continue to be killed in encounters? How is that possible?

https://mb.com.ph/2025/11/25/npa-leader-killed-in-kalinga-encounter

A leader of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while a soldier was wounded in an encounter in Barangay Allaguia, Pinukpuk, Kalinga on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 23. 

Lt. Col. Melvin Asuncion, officer–in–charge of the Division Public Affairs Office of the 5th Infantry Division, identified the slain rebel as Vicente or Changli, vice team leader of the Platoon Dos of the ICRC operating in the area and a native of the Cordillera region. 

Asuncion said that Vicente’s body has been retrieved from the encounter site and they are reaching out to his family for burial. 

The wounded soldier, identified as Private First Class Lhemar Guimpatan of the Reconnaissance Company, is in stable condition. 

No civilians were involved during the crossfire. 

Soldiers first engaged communist rebels in the area on Nov. 21 following reports from residents about the presence of more or less 15 fully armed NPA rebels. 

Recovered from the encounter site were an M4 rifle, three high-powered guns, a chopped firearm, a grenade, backpacks and a cellphone. 

Major Gen.  Gulliver Señires, commander of the 5th ID, called on the remaining NPA rebels in the area to surrender for the sake of peace and development.

They say there was a reported 15 "fully armed NPA rebels." The death of this leader takes them down a notch to 14. 

A clash in Samar resulted not in the death of one rebel and in the surrender of another NPA rebel.  

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1264001

A wounded New People’s Army (NPA) rebel is currently receiving medical treatment after voluntarily surrendering to village officials following an encounter with government forces in Samar.

Lino Dacuma, alias “Sanya,” is now recovering at the Gandara District Hospital after he voluntarily surrendered on Tuesday to officials of Gereganan village in Gandara town.

The encounter took place in the hinterlands of Gereganan village.

“He (Dacuma) became separated from his group during the clash and, unable to continue evading due to his injuries, sought assistance from nearby residents,” the Philippine Army’s (PA) 801st Infantry Brigade said.

Residents brought Dacuma to the home of Liza Barocaboc, the village chief, where he expressed his intention to peacefully surrender and request help.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, village officials immediately coordinated with the nearest PA unit.

PA personnel promptly responded, facilitating Dacuma’s safe turnover and evacuation to the Gandara District Hospital for medical attention.

Clashes between soldiers and rebels started on Nov. 22, 2025, when government forces encountered 15 armed men belonging to Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Browser of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.

The clashes resulted in the death of a female rebel and the recovery of several high-powered firearms.

Brig. Gen. Arlino Sendaydiego, commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, issued a renewed appeal to remaining NPA members to lay down their arms.

“I call on the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group or NPA in the mountains: surrender and choose peace. We have no real victory if fellow Filipinos are fighting and hurting,” Sendaydiego said.

He only surrendered because he got separated from his comrades. 

The NTF-ELCAC has condemned the spate of killings by the NPA of so-called spies. These people were all civilians alleged to have ratted out the NPA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1263703

A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Friday scored the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) for its renewed wave of "spy-tagging" killings, which have targeted civilians.

“Spy-tagging is the CPP-NPA’s most convenient weapon. It is not discipline. It is not revolution. It is murder," NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement.

He described the practice as “a death sentence imposed without truth, trial, or humanity,” calling out groups that refuse to denounce the execution of unarmed civilians.

Torres also pointed out that the recent killings in Negros, where at least 15 farmers, barangay officials, and residents have been summarily executed since early 2024, expose the CPP-NPA's continuing pattern of terror and community control.

“These people were not combatants. They were fathers, mothers, youth, workers – ordinary community members whose only ‘crime’ was being arbitrarily labeled as ‘military assets’ by a terrorist organization desperate to maintain influence through fear," he added.

The NTF-ELCAC official also noted that the atrocities in Negros mirror the CPP-NPA’s infamous purge campaigns – Kampanyang Ahos, Operation Missing Link, Project Olympia, Oplan Zombie, and Kadena de Amor – where thousands were tortured and killed after being falsely accused of espionage.

Torres said the pattern remains unchanged and is still “accuse, isolate, and kill.”

He also criticized certain left-leaning organizations and the Makabayan bloc for refusing to condemn the killings.

“For groups that loudly claim to champion human rights, their silence on the executions in Negros is deafening,” Torres said. “Silence is complicity. Their refusal to denounce the killings of farmers, barangay officials, and indigenous peoples exposes the hypocrisy behind their constant calls for justice.”

These killings, he said, cannot be dismissed as internal matters of the communist movement.

“These are crimes against the Filipino people. No community should ever be forced to live under the shadow of communist violence," he pointed out.

He called on local governments, civil society organizations, youth groups, academe, religious institutions, and the media to collectively condemn the atrocities and resist efforts to normalize the CPP-NPA’s purge-style executions. 

Note that while the killings are condemned there is no denial these people were not spies. Funny how the NTF-ELCAC will engage in red-tagging and then act shocked when people are tagged as spies and are executed. Certainly the government has spies. But were these people spies or not?

The NTF-ELCAC has also condemned the Makabayan bloc for not speaking out against these killings. 

https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/11/27/news/national/rights-groups-criticized-for-silence-on-npa-killings/2232280

THE National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) on Wednesday criticized human rights advocates and members of the Makabayan bloc for what it described as their “persistent and troubling silence” following the New People’s Army’s (NPA) admission that it killed two civilians this month after branding them as government informants.

Prosecutor Chris Gonzales of the Joint Regional Task Force 6-Elcac said the executions of Jomy Pelarta on Nov. 6 and Raul Loterio on Nov. 13 form part of a long-running pattern of so-called “spy-tagging” attacks by the NPA’s Romeo Nanta Command.

He said the group has acknowledged at least 15 similar killings since 2024, and around 20 in previous years.

Addressing reporters at a FAQCheck press briefing, Gonzales described the killings as “nothing short of terrorism, masquerading as revolution.”

He criticized groups he said have been vocal in other human rights cases but are “silent when the perpetrators are the NPA.”

“Their silence is not just disappointing; it makes them complicit in perpetuating a climate of fear and impunity,” Gonzales said. “Are they so blinded by ideology that they cannot recognize the suffering of the very people they claim to represent?”

He said those he called “enablers” prioritize political agendas over the safety of communities in Negros, urging them to denounce “violence and terrorism in all its forms.”

Former NPA member Arian Jane Ramos, now part of Buklod Kapayapaan, echoed Gonzales’ statements.

Ramos said the NPA is shielded by “legal front organizations” that remain publicly silent on summary executions.

She said the silence of the Makabayan Bloc stems from a belief that NPA members are “revolutionary martyrs,” making accountability efforts difficult.

Ramos said her group is building evidence that could be used to isolate these organizations from their legal counterparts, though she noted that the process remains challenging without broader political will.

Gonzales urged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to open motu proprio investigations into the killings, stressing that the Communist Party of the Philippines itself publishes statements on such operations.

He said the CHR’s mandate covers not only perpetrators but also those who “enable, support, or justify” abuses against civilians.

“The CHR has the power to help identify those who enable the killing of innocent civilians. Their action is critical,” he said.

Gonzales called on the public to hold accountable those he said have remained silent despite the NPA’s own admissions, urging community members to make their stance clear against armed attacks on civilians.

Captain Jun Ebalan of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division likewise appealed for a unified condemnation from all sectors.

“We call on LGUs, households, religious groups, and every Negrosanon to publicly denounce these acts of cowardly violence,” Ebalan said. “The CTG thrives when communities are silent — your condemnation is a moral duty.”

He called for vigilance, encouraging residents to report sightings and deny the group shelter.

“They are few, but they exploit fear. Report their movements, deny them refuge, and together we will end their reign of terror,” Ebalan said. 

This could be evidence to use against the Makabayn bloc for being CPP-NPA legal fronts but such evidence has been floating around for decades with no resulting banning of the bloc. The NTF-ELCAC wants the CHR to condemn the violence as well but their mandate is to monitor government abuses. 

The clock on amnesty is counting down. In Samar 116 rebels apples for amnesty recently. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1263720

A total of 116 former rebels (FRs) from Matuguinao, Samar have formally applied for amnesty after completely abandoning the communist ideology.

The former rebels filed for amnesty during a two-day orientation and intake activity organized by the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) – Catbalogan, in partnership with the 43rd Infantry Battalion and the local government of Matuguinao.

The activity that concluded in Barangay Mabuligon on Thursday was led by Mayor Aran Boller.

The LAB secretariat provided a comprehensive briefing on the government’s amnesty program, including step-by-step procedures from initial application to endorsement to the Office of the President.

The panel also clarified which offenses are covered by the amnesty proclamation and which are excluded.

On the first day alone, 82 FRs submitted their applications, with 34 more completing their intake activity the following day.

All applicants took their oath of allegiance before Public Attorney’s Office lawyers, who ensured that each participant fully understood the commitments associated with the amnesty program.

In a phone interview on Friday, Boller emphasized the significance of the initiative in sustaining peace gains in one of Samar’s previously insurgency-affected areas.

“The strong turnout is an encouraging indication of the former rebels’ determination to clear their names and reintegrate into mainstream society as productive, law-abiding citizens,” he said.

Boller said the initiative reflects the municipal government’s firm commitment to ending local insurgency and providing sustainable pathways for former rebels to rebuild their lives within their communities.

There are still thousands of potential amnesty applicants out there. 

Insurgency: Lanao Sur Town Declared DI-MG, NPA-Free

1,631 NPA rebels and their supporters have been neutralized between January 1st and November 13th. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1263541

More than 1,600 New People's Army (NPA) rebels and their supporters have been "neutralized" so far this year, further weakening the remnants of the communist guerilla movement in the country.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said 1,631 NPA rebels and sympathizers have either surrendered or been captured or killed from Jan. 1 to Nov. 13.

Of the total number, 1,433 surrendered, 90 were arrested, and 108 were killed in military operations during the period, the AFP said.

The AFP said the high number of surrenders indicates the thinning of rebel ranks and shows the growing inability of the NPA and their allies to threaten the country's security, giving government troops more opportunity to focus on external or territorial defense operations.

A total of 967 assorted firearms were also seized and turned over to authorities during the same time frame, the military said.

Aside from this, the AFP said 4,341 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered, with 138 NPA encampments captured during the period.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said the Marcos administration is committed to improving the lives of former rebels who have willingly chosen the path to peace.

Under the peace agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., former communist insurgents can avail of the national government’s socio-economic projects, as well as its amnesty program to address their legal concerns, enabling them to complete their transformative journey and successfully return to mainstream society.

In 2023, Marcos issued Proclamation 404, granting amnesty to former members of the NPA, as well as of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, who have committed crimes punishable under the Revised Penal Code and Special Penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs, among other offenses.

Again, we see conflicting numbers. How many are actual rebels and how many are actual supporters. The last official public count of remaining rebels was in November 2024 and is 1,111. 

(In terms of the strength of the New People's Army, they are really weak. So they only have about 1,111 fighters left from the 2,200 last year. So that is a big reduction in their manpower. And in terms of firearms, the reduction is the same, about 1,000 firearms have been reduced.)

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/926473/afp-npa-4-weakened-fronts-1-100-rebels/story/

And yet here we read 1,631 rebels and supporters have surrendered since the beginning of 2025. 

Lumbaca Unayan in Lanao del Sur has been declared both NPA and Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group free. Of course they had a fancy ceremony to celebrate. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1263682

The municipal council of Lumbaca Unayan in Lanao del Sur declared the area free from the influence of the terror Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) remnants and the communist New People’s Army (NPA), the military said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Jerry Gaviola, commander of the Philippine Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion, said the declaration was made through Municipal Council Resolutions 16 and 17, which were passed on the same day.

Gaviola said the declaration symbolizes the community’s collective stance against terrorism and local armed groups.

“Today marks a turning point for our municipality. By standing together, we send a powerful message that we will never allow fear, violence, or extremism to rule our community again,” Gaviola said in a statement.

A peace rally at Barangay Oriental Beta's municipal hall also marked the establishment of the Municipal Task Force – Ending Local Armed Conflict (MT-ELAC), aimed at maintaining peace and preventing the resurgence of violent extremism.

The event included a peace motorcade, a walk rally, and the burning of the ISIS flag, all showing the people’s strong rejection of violent extremism.

The DI-MG has long caused many casualties among civilians, creating widespread fear and disruption in affected communities—highlighting the importance of the day’s declaration.

“Your courage to stand against extremism is the true foundation of lasting peace,” Gaviola said.

He noted that Thursday’s declaration is especially timely following successful security operations in Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur, on Nov. 15, which resulted in the death of DI-MG leader Najib Laguindab alias Abu Jihad.

Brig. Gen. Yasser Bara, commander of the Army’s 1101st Infantry Brigade, earlier said that Laguindab was involved in the Dec 3, 2023 bombing at the province’s Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City that killed four people and injured 50 others.

The bombing took place during a mass at MSU’s Dimaporo Gymnasium.

Gaviola said the death of Laguindab weakened extremist influence in the province and reinforced the importance of community-driven peace initiatives.

No word that they burned the NPA or communist flag but its likely seeing as they burned the ISIS flag. Obviously there are still DI-Maute members out there.

In Leyte the Army killed 3 rebels in a clash. They say it's a major blow to the NPA in Leyte but we have heard that before. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1263478

The deaths of a squad leader and two other members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in a clash with government troops in Barangay Pange, Jaro, Leyte, on Monday mark a major setback for the insurgent group’s operations on Leyte Island.

Brig. Gen. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said in a phone interview on Tuesday that the NPA’s Island Committee Levox has been significantly weakened following the encounter. With the loss of three fighters from Squad 2, the unit now has only three members left, while Squad 1 retains 12.

According to Almagro, Squad 2 operates in the mountainous areas of central Leyte, while Squad 1 members have been moving within the boundaries of Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces.

“The encounter is a big loss to the NPA, especially since they have already lost the support of communities in Leyte, making it difficult for them to recruit new members,” he told the Philippine News Agency.

The fatalities were identified as Fidel Lagado, alias Rod/Jason; medical officer Maricel Anora, alias Yenyen/Gani; and political guide Jun Berino, alias Sonny/Danny.

Berino, who took part in various anti-government protests before the 2020 pandemic, had been tagged by the military as a top NPA recruiter.

Soldiers recovered a carbine rifle, three caliber .45 pistols, three rifle grenades, three mobile phones, subversive documents, and personal belongings at the encounter site.

“We sympathize with the death of the three NPA members, but we have not wavered in our call for them to come down and surrender to achieve true peace in their lives,” Almagro said. “This incident could have been avoided if they had listened to the government's call. Once again, we urge the remaining NPA members in Leyte to surrender while it is still possible.”

The Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion is assisting the families of the slain rebels and coordinating their burial.

It's a big blow because they can't recruit. But the AFP has been big on preventing recruitment. Why if they NPA cannot recruit due to the loss of support from the surrounding communities?

Recovered from this encounter was the weapon of a soldier beheaded by the NPA in 2023.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2143618/firearm-of-beheaded-soldier-recovered-from-encounter-site-in-leyte

A handgun recovered from a clash between government troops and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Jaro, Leyte, has been confirmed to be the service firearm of an Army soldier who was tortured and beheaded by the rebels in 2023, the 8th Infantry Division reported Thursday.

The caliber .45 pistol was found during a post-encounter clearing operation following the Nov. 17 armed clash between 8ID troops and remnants of the NPA’s Island Committee Levox.

The battle resulted in the deaths of three rebels and the earlier seizure of two high-powered firearms.

Military verification showed that the recovered pistol belonged to the late Private First Class Aries Ampoan, who was beheaded by communist rebels on April 2, 2023, during an encounter in Abuyog, Leyte.

The 8ID said the weapon serves as vital evidence linking the NPA rebels to the atrocity.

“This is a significant step in securing justice for Pfc. Ampoan,” Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, the commanding officer of the  8th ID, said in a statement, noting that the find reinforces intelligence assessments connecting the slain rebels to previous attacks against government forces.

Orio added that the recovery confirms both the accountability of the group and the urgency of sustaining security operations across the region.

“Our commitment goes beyond securing communities; it extends to upholding International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and pursuing justice for our fallen soldiers,” Orio said. 

He added: “This encounter brings undeniable clarity to the heinous nature of the enemy we face and provides crucial accountability for their crimes.”

The three NPA fatalities were identified as Fidel Lagado alias “Ivan,” Rogelio Berino alias “Jun,” and Maricel Anora alias “Gani.”

In compliance with IHL, the 8ID turned over their remains to their families through the coordination of the local government of Jaro and ensured arrangements for their dignified burial.

The three slain rebels belonged to the Island Committee Levox of the communist group in the region.

It certainly is a "significant step in securing justice for Pfc. Ampoan." Who knows but one of the three men killed chopped off his head. Of course there are 12 members of squad 2 left so his killer might still be alive. 

The NPA continues to use anti-personnel mines which is against the Geneva convention. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1263465

Army troops recovered two anti-personnel mines planted near a civilian foot trail in Surigao del Sur, military officials reported Tuesday (Nov. 18, 2025).

The 75th Infantry Battalion discovered the explosives during a patrol on Nov. 15 in Barangay San Pedro, Marihatag town.

Lt. Col. Earl Pardillo, battalion commander, condemned the use of the mines, calling it a “grave violation of International Humanitarian Law.”

“Even children could have been the victims,” Pardillo said, noting the trail is regularly used by residents.

The recovered explosives are now in secure custody for disposal by Army ordnance teams.

But alls fair in war right? What does the NPA care about following the rules of war. The only rule of war is kill your enemy. Right?

A suspect in the 2019 Cotabato church bombing surrendered to the PNP. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1263595

A suspect in the 2019 bombing in North Cotabato that wounded five people surrendered to police Tuesday, officials announced Wednesday (Nov. 19, 2025).

The suspect, identified as "Alias Nasser," is a 40-year-old member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's military wing.

Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, Police Regional Office-12 director, said police conducted negotiations with the suspect's family after he sent a surrender feeler.

“When the feeler was verified and validated, the police negotiated directly with the suspect’s family for his peaceful surrender,” Ardiente said.

Police presented the suspect with his warrant for multiple frustrated murder with double attempted murder, which carries a PHP200,000 bail bond.

Turns out he is a member of the MILF. That is interesting because it is the MILF who runs the BARMM. Imagine that.

Insurgency: Communist Funds

In the Eastern Visayas the news installed Army brigade commander has vowed to sustain the momentum of the anti-insurgency gains. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1263123

The newly installed commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Ormoc City has vowed to sustain the momentum of his predecessors in the government’s fight against insurgency in Eastern Visayas.

Brig. Gen. Pompeyo Jason Almagro formally assumed command of the brigade on Wednesday, succeeding Col. Rico Amaro, who served as acting commander for more than a month following the retirement of Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir from military service.

“We will continue what the previous brigade commander has started, as instructed by our division commander,” Almagro said in a media interview after the ceremony.

Among the key initiatives he pledged to sustain is Project Ultimatum, an initiative designed to completely eradicate insurgency in the region by encouraging remaining rebels to surrender.

Under the project, groups of rebels who surrender collectively — particularly those coming from the same province — will receive cash assistance sourced from their respective local government units.

“Fortunately, we have already reduced the number of remaining rebels in Leyte to a significant degree. However, we will continue to carry out our mandate to defeat the remaining insurgent elements operating in Leyte and the southern part of Samar Island,” Almagro said.

Before his new assignment, Almagro served with the 1st Infantry Division in Southern Mindanao — the first military unit to successfully dismantle all fronts of the New People’s Army.

He expressed optimism that his experience in Mindanao would contribute to the Army’s ongoing efforts to finally put an end to the insurgency in Eastern Visayas.

The 802nd Infantry Brigade has operational jurisdiction over Leyte and Biliran Islands, as well as selected towns in the southern parts of Eastern Samar and Samar provinces.

What is "Project Ultimatum?" There hasn't been anything about that until now. Google searches refer to this article. That means it is either brand new or very top secret. This article tells us it's all about the money. When rebels surrender collectively they will win a big cash prize. 

The NTF-ELCAC is appealing a court ruling against the forfeiture of communist funds. 

https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/11/14/news/national/ntf-elcac-appeals-court-ruling-on-forfeiture-of-communist-funds/2223327/amp

THE National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) has urged the Court of Appeals (CA) to reconsider its ruling that voided the forfeiture of P557, 360 seized from arrested journalists Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Mariel Domequil.

It asserted that the money was used to finance operations of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP–NPA).

Cumpio and Domequil were arrested in a police raid in Tacloban City on Feb. 7, 2020, over alleged illegal possession of firearms and for allegedly being members of the NPA.

During the implementation of the search warrant, authorities seized a cash box containing P557,360.

Following this, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) requested that the amount be forfeited in favor of the government.

Legal remedies were discussed in a recent inter-agency meeting chaired by Justice Angelita Miranda, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), and the Department of Justice–National Prosecution Service (DOJ–NPS).

The OSG committed to file a motion for reconsideration before the appellate court, to be supported by additional intelligence and legal materials to strengthen the government’s position.

The AMLC earlier secured a favorable decision from the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC), which ordered the forfeiture of the seized funds after evaluating intelligence reports, financial analyses, and sworn statements linking the money to the fact that the CPP–NPA is a designated terrorist organization under Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

According to the Task Force and AMLC, RA 10168 penalizes anyone who provides or collects funds intended to support terrorist activities, regardless of whether the person is formally affiliated with a terrorist group.

Authorities said that the 2020 police operation which led to the seizure of the funds also resulted in the confiscation of firearms, explosives, and subversive materials. Four criminal cases for illegal possession of firearms and one for terrorism financing are pending before the RTC in Tacloban City.

Officials said these findings support the claim that the money was used to fund operations of communist terrorist groups, as defined under RA 10168 and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (RA 11479).

The NTF-Elcac also expressed concern over reports that foreign consuls have frequently visited Cumpio and Domequil, warning that such actions — though within diplomatic prerogative — could potentially influence public opinion or ongoing judicial proceedings related to national security.

The Task Force reiterated that while it recognizes press freedom and human rights advocacy, these should not be used to shield or justify acts of terrorism financing.

Perhaps the OSG should have provided this additional intelligence in their initial filing. Why not show all the evidence? This article does not explain why the court voided the forfeiture.

One commenter thinks there should be a nationwide ceasefire. 

https://mindanews.com/mindaviews/2025/11/peacetalk-declared-state-of-national-calamity-how-about-declaring-a-nationwide-ceasefire/

President Marcos declared last November 6 a state of national calamity following the deadly Typhoon “Tino” in the Visayas and anticipating Supertyphoon “Uwan” in Luzon but with a practically nationwide range. Warranted indeed. But how about also declaring a unilateral nationwide ceasefire for calamity-related humanitarian purposes in relation to the local communist armed conflict?

Ideally, it best be a declaration by both sides involving the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the New People’s Army (NPA). Even if done only unilaterally by each of the two sides, it would practically amount to a bilateral ceasefire. Also ideally, since we are in the third “ber” month already of November, might as well extend it to the fourth and last “ber” month of December to include the traditional ceasefire occasion of the Christmas to New Year holidays break.

Such a calamity-related humanitarian ceasefire extended to the Christmas to New Year holidays break would allow both the AFP and the NPA to devote more attention to their respective disaster risk reduction and management services instead of their respective military offensives, whether tactical or strategic. This would give some welcome respite from the armed conflict not only for the mostly rural communities in the crossfire of that conflict but also the soldiers and Red fighters themselves. They can put that respite to good use like, among others, disaster rescue, relief and rehabilitation assistance. 

The challenge to declare a unilateral nationwide ceasefire for calamity-related humanitarian purposes is thus hereby addressed to both sides. The natural and man-made calamities-buffeted people await and will judge your response to this challenge. Better if both sides respond positively. In which case, it could or should be the stepping stone for something more than just disaster relief and fighting respite.

Such a ceasefire may as well also be the “specific measure of goodwill and confidence-building to create a favorable climate” for the political leaderships and negotiators of both sides to — no longer unilaterally but it has to be bilaterally — revisit their supposed breakthrough Oslo Joint Statement of November 23, 2023 on the occasion of its coming second anniversary. Remember its very first paragraph:

 “Cognizant of the serious socioeconomic and environmental issues, and the foreign security threats facing the country, the parties recognize the need to unite as a nation in order to urgently address these challenges and resolve the reasons for the armed conflict.”

Perhaps restart or reboot peace talks by “urgently addressing” first “the serious socioeconomic and environmental issues” highlighted by the recent natural calamities and the flood control and other infrastructure projects corruption scandal. If the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) cannot yet somehow agree on the roots of “the serious socioeconomic and environmental issues,” they might agree at least on concrete effective measures “to urgently address these challenges” even in the short to medium term.

Again, even if the parties do not yet agree on “the roots of the armed conflict,” their sincere and serious discussions “to urgently address… the serious socioeconomic and environmental issues” could and should consciously contribute “to come up with a framework that sets the priorities for the peace negotiation with the aim of achieving the relevant socioeconomic and political reforms towards a just and lasting peace” — as envisioned in the third paragraph of their Oslo Joint Statement.

This of course all depends IF the parties are sincere and serious about the peace negotiations for “Resolving the roots of the armed conflict and ending the armed struggle shall pave the way for the transformation of the CPP-NPA-NDFP” per the second paragraph of their Oslo Joint Statement. On the occasion of its coming second anniversary within this month of November 2025, that sincerity about the whole process of peace negotiations itself is perhaps what the parties should more fundamentally revisit.

A ceasefire will likely not happen. The AFP is focused on wiping out the NPA whether through bullets or cash. 

In Zamboanaga City a combination of 86 ASG and NPA supporters have surrendered,

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1263299

A total of 64 former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) supporters and 22 New People’s Army (NPA) supporters voluntarily surrendered in Zamboanga City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday.

The group surrendered at the Regional Mobile Force Battalion - Zamboanga Peninsula (RMFB 9) Battalion Headquarters at Camp Col. Romeo A. Abendan, Zamboanga City and turned over 19 rifles of various calibers, eight .38 revolvers, three shotguns, one Uzi, one .22 pistol, and three explosives.

They later took their oath of allegiance and were subjected to interviews and documentation. All firearms were properly accounted for and secured by RMFB 9.

The surrenderers are currently under the custody of the RMFB 9 for further processing and assistance by government agencies. 

Jointly facilitating the surrender were the RMFB 9, Isabela CPS, Zamboanga City Police Office, Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office, Zamboanga Sibugay PPO, Zamboanga del Norte PPO, Sulu PPO, the Maritime Group 9, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police.

Meanwhile, the PNP also on Friday said a total of P107 million worth of confiscated smuggled cigarettes have been confiscated in two operations in Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City. 

In a statement, the PNP said the latest update builds on Thursday’s report, which first detailed the arrest of seven adult male crew members and the seizure of PHP21 million worth of cigarettes from the Jungkung vessel M/B Sophia Jayy.

The progress report said a follow-up inventory, carried out at 8 a.m. of the same date, uncovered a much larger shipment on the Jungkung M/B Zhyryne. The vessel was found carrying 800 master cases of Soda Red and 382 master cases of Soda Menthol, amounting to PHP86,240,000.00. 

The PNP said that brings the total volume from both vessels to 1,532 master cases. 

The operation was executed through the coordinated efforts of the police authorities in Zamboanga City during a seaborne patrol in the waters near Sta. Cruz Island on Nov. 12. 

It's not clear how many are mere supporters versus actual members.