A comprehensive four-day security operation conducted by combined Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) units in Northern Negros from April 19-23, 2026, has decimated Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) elements in the area, resulting in 19 terrorist fatalities and the detention of five suspected insurgents.
Military and police forces successfully dismantled CTG positions in Toboso municipality and surrounding areas, recovering substantial quantities of firearms, explosive materials, and intelligence documents that authorities believe will significantly impact remaining terrorist networks in Negros Occidental.
The intensive operations, which focused primarily on Toboso municipality, involved sustained armed engagements between government forces and entrenched CTG elements. During the encounters, one government soldier sustained gunshot injuries but remains in stable condition at a medical facility.
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Forensic Operations and Victim Identification
Following the military engagements, PNP investigators deployed a specialized Special Investigation Team (SIT) to process crime scenes and conduct detailed forensic examinations across multiple encounter sites. The investigative units have successfully recovered nineteen bodies of CTG members killed during the operations.
Most of the deceased insurgents have been positively identified by family members, according to police reports. Forensic specialists continue conducting post-mortem examinations and evidence collection procedures in accordance with established protocols to ensure proper documentation for potential legal proceedings.
Subsequent clearing operations by joint AFP-PNP teams in areas previously controlled by the terrorist group yielded additional weapons caches and subversive materials that had been concealed throughout the operational zone.
Substantial Arms Cache Recovered
Security forces confiscated an extensive arsenal during the operations, including various caliber firearms, large quantities of ammunition, and at least one explosive device. Military officials described the weapons seizure as a critical blow to CTG operational capabilities in the region.
Intelligence officers believe the recovered subversive documents will provide crucial information for targeting remaining CTG cells and their support infrastructure throughout Negros Occidental and adjacent provinces.
Defense officials stressed that removing these weapons from terrorist hands eliminates immediate threats to both military personnel and civilian communities while disrupting planned attacks against government installations.
Five Insurgent Supporters Apprehended
Police operations following the military phase resulted in the capture of five individuals with documented ties to the CTG organization. One detainee faces attempted murder charges, while the remaining four suspects were apprehended for possession of illegal firearms, ammunition, and explosive materials.
All detained suspects remain in police custody pending formal charges under Republic Act 9851 covering International Humanitarian Law violations, along with additional criminal counts related to illegal weapons possession and explosive device ownership.
The arrests demonstrate continued intelligence-driven targeting of CTG support networks and remaining organizational infrastructure in affected areas.
National Police Leadership Praises Coordination
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP Chief, commended the exceptional coordination between military and police units that facilitated the operation’s success. He stressed the importance of maintaining intelligence-based approaches that prioritize human rights while ensuring public safety.
“Katuwang ang AFP, tuloy-tuloy at maayos ang pagpapatupad ng aming mga operasyon. Ginagawa namin ito nang may disiplina at paggalang sa karapatan ng bawat isa, habang tinitiyak na mananatiling ligtas ang aming mga komunidad,” Nartatez declared.
The police chief’s statements underscore ongoing emphasis on professional conduct and strict adherence to legal frameworks during counter-terrorism campaigns, ensuring security goals align with civil rights protection and due process requirements.
Marcos Administration Security Policy
These operations directly implement President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives for sustained peace and order maintenance through disciplined, intelligence-based, and rights-respecting security campaigns. The presidential guidance specifically targets remaining communist terrorist threats in affected regions nationwide.
Military commanders emphasized that the Negros Occidental campaign exemplifies government determination to systematically eliminate CTG remnants while upholding professional standards and legal compliance throughout all security operations.
The coordinated approach reflects national security priorities focused on neutralizing terrorist threats while safeguarding civilian populations and maintaining international human rights standards.
Sustained Security Framework
The PNP confirmed continued support for AFP-directed operations while ensuring professional and lawful policing throughout all security activities. This methodology supports the organization’s “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman” initiative.
Defense analysts consider the Northern Negros operations integral to broader strategies for eliminating residual CTG presence in regions where the terrorist organization previously maintained substantial influence and operational infrastructure.
The effective military-police coordination established during these operations will likely serve as a template for similar campaigns in other locations where CTG remnants continue threatening local communities and government facilities.
Security commanders indicated that operations will continue based on intelligence evaluations and community protection needs, maintaining operational tempo established during the successful April 19-23 Northern Negros campaign.
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