Following a devastating armed confrontation that resulted in 19 fatalities, the municipal council of Toboso in Negros Occidental has unanimously voted to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata throughout their jurisdiction.
The formal declaration came through Resolution No. 077, Series of 2026, approved during the municipality's 32nd Regular Session of the 12th Sangguniang Bayan on April 28, 2026. Vice Mayor Maria Luisa B. Dela Cruz presided over the 9:30 a.m. session at the SB Session Hall, where council members also designated the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) as unwelcome within Toboso's boundaries.
Council Responds to Municipal Peace Recommendations
The Sangguniang Bayan cited its constitutional responsibility to maintain peace, order, and public safety when approving the resolution. Municipal officials specifically referenced guidance from the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), which recommended that local government formally denounce insurgency-related violence and support national security initiatives.
Council members characterized the CPP, NPA, and NDFP as groups connected to armed rebellion, violence, fatalities, property destruction, and interference with local development programs nationwide. The resolution emphasizes protecting citizens from what officials termed terrorist activities threatening community stability.
April 19 Encounter Sparks Fear and Displacement
The council's action directly addresses what members described as widespread fear, anxiety, and socio-economic disruption following the April 19, 2026 armed encounter between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and New People's Army forces in Sitio Plaringding (also identified as Sinugmawan), Barangay Salamanca.
Military reports indicate the 12-hour battle commenced around 4 a.m. and ended near 3 p.m., initiated during manhunt operations conducted by the Army's 79th Infantry "Masaligan" Battalion stationed in Sagay City. AFP officials stated troops engaged the armed group at 3:58 a.m. after receiving credible civilian intelligence about armed elements in the vicinity, resulting in 19 neutralized individuals and 24 recovered firearms.
The military operation formed part of broader counter-insurgency campaigns in the region, with armed forces maintaining that all casualties were armed militants killed during lawful combat operations.
High-Profile Casualties Include Bounty Target
The fatalities included alleged NPA Northern Negros Front commander Roger "Ka Jhong" Fabillar, who had a ₱1-million government reward for his capture or elimination. AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier characterized the operation as a major achievement in military efforts against communist insurgency.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) identified all 19 deceased as NPA fighters, including two American nationals — Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem. Task force reports indicate both Americans entered the Philippines separately in late March 2026 before traveling to Negros Occidental. Intelligence sources link Prijoles to Anakbayan-USA since 2012.
Additional casualties encompassed University of the Philippines students Alyssa Alano and Maureen Keil Santuyo, Paghimutad-Negros writer-editor RJ Nichole Ledesma, and community researcher Errol Wendel, prompting questions about their involvement in the remote location during the confrontation.
Disputed Claims Generate Investigation Calls
While the Philippine Army maintains all 19 individuals were armed combatants killed during authorized military actions, the NPA's Apolinario Gatmaitan Command released an April 23 statement confirming several casualties were their fighters while asserting others were civilians documenting peasant conditions.
A national fact-finding team led by Buklod Kapayapaan Federation Inc., a government-recognized organization of former insurgents, investigated on April 27. The group challenged assertions that some victims were researchers or journalists, confirming no sanctioned civil society documentation was occurring in the area during the encounter.
Human Rights Commission Begins Independent Probe
The Commission on Human Rights initiated an independent investigation on April 26 amid contradictory accounts about victim identities. The CHR referenced international humanitarian law requirements mandating military forces differentiate between combatants and civilians during armed conflicts.
House Representatives from the Makabayan bloc submitted a resolution on April 27 requesting congressional investigation into alleged civilian killings. The measure additionally seeks comprehensive examination of Memorandum Order No. 32, which lawmakers connected to increased militarization across Negros Island.
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza published a pastoral letter on April 20 lamenting the deaths and characterizing the incident as deeply concerning, requesting prayers and contemplation regarding ongoing community violence.
Evacuation Centers House Displaced Families
Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco confirmed over 600 residents from 167 to 168 families in Barangays Salamanca and San Jose remain displaced after the encounter. These families currently occupy evacuation facilities in local schools while awaiting official Army authorization to safely return home.
The displacement has imposed additional municipal challenges, straining resources and disrupting regular community functions. Local administrators are coordinating with military officials to accelerate clearance procedures and allow residents to resume normal activities.
Unanimous Council Support Demonstrates Unity
The resolution earned unanimous approval from all attending council members. Supporters include SB Members John Paul B. De La Cruz, Jonel R. Rosa-Ot, Martin John S. Ballesteros, Efren A. Mandajoyan, Jesil Marie C. Bedonia, Ma. Bernadette M. Bartolome, Adriano V. Pañares Jr., and Romeo S. Leyte.
Ex-officio members LnB President Edgar M. Agabon and SKF President Ladislao A. Villanueva II also supported the measure, reflecting comprehensive local government agreement on addressing municipal security issues.
The official declaration establishes Toboso's formal position against communist insurgency and demonstrates the local government's dedication to supporting national anti-terrorism initiatives while safeguarding community welfare and development programs.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines