Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Command announced that military operations in Toboso, Negros Occidental resulted in the deaths of more than 10 Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) combatants during engagements on April 19, 2026, in Barangay Salamanca.
Joint Task Force Spear’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, specifically the 79th Infantry Battalion, conducted the operations that led to the confiscation of seven high-powered weapons, combat equipment, and personal items belonging to members of the Northern Negros Front (NNF) under Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros.
High-Value Target Eliminated
The casualties included Roger Fabillar, known by aliases “Jhong” and “Arnel Tapang,” who commanded the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) within the NNF structure. Authorities had placed a ₱1 million reward for Fabillar’s capture due to his involvement in civilian killings across Escalante City and Toboso municipality.
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Fabillar’s elimination represents a significant blow to communist insurgent operations in Northern Negros, as he had been instrumental in spreading terror among local populations through targeted attacks on non-combatants.
Military Chiefs Praise Professional Conduct
Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete, Philippine Army Commanding General, issued statements on April 20, 2026, acknowledging the tragic nature of the deaths while praising military personnel for maintaining professional standards during combat operations.
“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 declared in his official statement.
The commanding general characterized the fatalities as regrettable, describing the deceased CPP-NPA fighters as individuals who “were themselves victims of lies and deception that exploit the vulnerable.”
Visayas Command Assesses Operational Impact
From Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City, AFP Visayas Command leader Lt. Gen. Fernando M. Reyeg analyzed the strategic consequences of the military engagement, highlighting its effects on communist insurgent capabilities in the region.
“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 explained in his assessment.
The Toboso operation encompassed six separate combat encounters at the same location, representing one of the most substantial setbacks for the communist organization in the area during recent years.
Justice for Civilian Victims
Military officials emphasized that Fabillar’s death provides closure for families of civilians killed in his previous attacks throughout Escalante City and neighboring communities.
“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 substantial bounty placed on Fabillar demonstrated government forces’ recognition of his threat level and their commitment to protecting civilian populations from his violent activities.
Weapons Recovery Weakens Rebel Capacity
The 79th Infantry Battalion’s successful mission resulted in capturing seven high-powered firearms alongside various military equipment and personal possessions of the eliminated fighters, significantly diminishing the group’s operational strength in Northern Negros.
Military analysts view the weapons seizure as evidence of improved intelligence operations and enhanced tactical capabilities in counter-insurgency efforts, reflecting better coordination between different military units.
Surrender Appeals to Remaining Insurgents
Following the operation’s conclusion, senior military officials extended offers of amnesty to surviving CPP-NPA members willing to abandon armed resistance and reintegrate into civilian society.
“It is our sincere hope that the remaining CTG members will lay down their arms and choose the path of peace,” Lt. Gen. Nafarrete stated in his response to the mission’s results.
Lt. Gen. Reyeg addressed remaining insurgents directly: “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 leadership also issued warnings about continued enforcement actions against those refusing surrender opportunities, with Reyeg noting that forces would “not hesitate to use the full force of the law” against fighters who “insist on your terroristic ways.”
Broader Anti-Insurgency Mission
The Negros Occidental engagement represents part of the Armed Forces’ comprehensive strategy to eliminate the multi-decade communist rebellion throughout the Philippines, with increased operational tempo against remaining CPP-NPA strongholds nationwide.
“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.
The Northern Negros Front had maintained significant activity levels among CPP-NPA units operating in the Visayas region, making the substantial casualties from this operation particularly damaging to the organization’s regional capabilities.
Comprehensive Peace Strategy
AFP leadership stressed their commitment to achieving lasting peace through combined enforcement operations and rehabilitation programs for individuals choosing to abandon violent resistance.
“VISCOM will pursue peace with compassion, but it will also act decisively against those who choose violence over reconciliation,” Lt. Gen. Reyeg stated, describing the military’s balanced methodology for ending the insurgency.
The successful Negros Occidental mission reinforces the Philippine Army’s dedication to their core mission to “serve the people and secure the land,” according to post-operation statements from military headquarters.
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