More than 10 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) were killed during a series of military encounters in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19, 2026, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command.
The operation, conducted by the 79th Infantry Battalion under the 303rd Infantry Brigade of Joint Task Force Spear, resulted in the seizure of seven high-powered firearms along with war materiel and personal belongings from the Northern Negros Front (NNF) of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros.
Among those killed was Roger Fabillar, alias "Jhong" or "Arnel Tapang," who served as head of the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) under the NNF. Fabillar carried a ₱1 million bounty and was wanted for the deaths of several civilians in Escalante City and Toboso.
Army Leadership Commends Troops' Professionalism
Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete expressed condolences to the families of the slain CPP-NPA members while commending the operating troops for their adherence to international humanitarian law and human rights standards.
"I commend the operating troops of the 79th Infantry Battalion for showing steadfast commitment to mission and dedication to duty. Your adherence to International Humanitarian Law and utmost respect for human rights stand as a testament to the professionalism and honor that define the Philippine Army soldier," Nafarrete stated in his official announcement on April 20, 2026.
The Army chief described the deaths as unfortunate, noting that the CPP-NPA members "were themselves victims of lies and deception that exploit the vulnerable."
Strategic Impact on Communist Insurgency
Lt. Gen. Fernando M. Reyeg, Commander of the AFP Visayas Command, emphasized that the operation significantly undermines CPP-NPA efforts to regain control in Northern Negros.
"This latest debacle of the CPP-NPA is detrimental to their efforts to regain foothold in Northern Negros, as it weakens their ability to sow terror and fear among our people in the area," Reyeg said in a statement from Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City.
The military operation involved six separate encounters at the Toboso location, marking one of the most significant defeats for the communist group in the region in recent years.
Notorious Leader's Criminal Background
Roger Fabillar's death represents a major victory for government forces, as he was responsible for numerous civilian casualties that spread fear throughout local communities. His elimination removes a key figure who had been terrorizing residents of Escalante City and surrounding areas.
"Justice has been served for the innocent civilians whose lives were taken by this notorious terrorist. The neutralization of Fabillar delivers a powerful message that VISCOM will relentlessly pursue those who commit atrocities against our people," Lt. Gen. Reyeg declared.
The ₱1 million bounty on Fabillar reflected the military's prioritization of his capture due to his leadership role in violent activities against civilian populations.
Seized Weapons and Equipment
Military officials reported the recovery of seven high-powered firearms during the operation, along with various war materiel and personal belongings of the slain fighters. The seizure of these weapons represents a significant reduction in the group's combat capability in the Northern Negros area.
The 79th Infantry Battalion's successful operation demonstrates improved intelligence gathering and tactical execution in counter-insurgency operations, according to military assessments.
Call for Remaining Fighters to Surrender
Both Army leadership and Visayas Command officials issued appeals to remaining CPP-NPA members to abandon armed struggle and return to peaceful civilian life.
"It is our sincere hope that the remaining CTG members will lay down their arms and choose the path of peace," stated Lt. Gen. Nafarrete in his official response to the operation's outcome.
Lt. Gen. Reyeg delivered a more direct message to surviving insurgents: "Lay down your arms now and return to the folds of the law. We assure you of our support for you to be reunited with your families and live peaceful and progressive lives."
However, military commanders also warned of continued operations against those who refuse to surrender, with Reyeg stating that if fighters "insist on your terroristic ways, we will not hesitate to use the full force of the law."
Ongoing Counter-Insurgency Campaign
The Toboso operation forms part of the Philippine military's broader campaign to eliminate the decades-long communist insurgency across the archipelago. The AFP has intensified operations against remaining CPP-NPA strongholds in recent years.
"We assure the Filipino people that there will be no let up in our campaign to end the decades-long scourge of communist insurgency once and for all," Lt. Gen. Nafarrete emphasized in his statement.
The Northern Negros Front has been among the more active CPP-NPA units in the Visayas region, making the significant losses suffered in this operation particularly damaging to the group's operational capacity.
Military's Balanced Approach Strategy
AFP officials emphasized their commitment to pursuing peace through both enforcement actions and reconciliation programs for those willing to abandon armed struggle.
"VISCOM will pursue peace with compassion, but it will also act decisively against those who choose violence over reconciliation," Lt. Gen. Reyeg stated, outlining the military's dual approach to ending the insurgency.
The successful Negros Occidental operation demonstrates the Philippine Army's continued mission to "serve the people and secure the land," according to official statements released following the encounters.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Philippine Army/AFP Visayas Command