Following a devastating armed confrontation that left 19 people dead in Barangay Salamanca, the municipal council of Toboso, Negros Occidental has unanimously declared the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata throughout the town’s jurisdiction.
The formal declaration came through Resolution No. 077, Series of 2026, approved during the 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.
April 19 Armed Encounter Sparks Municipal Action
The council’s decision directly responds to what officials describe as significant fear, anxiety, and socio-economic disruption resulting from the April 19, 2026 armed clash between Philippine military forces and NPA fighters in Sitio Plaringding, alternatively identified as Sinugmawan, within Barangay Salamanca.
Military reports indicate the extended firefight lasted approximately 12 hours, commencing around 4 a.m. and ending near 3 p.m. The Army’s 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion, stationed in Sagay City, initiated manhunt operations after receiving civilian intelligence about armed groups operating in the vicinity.
Armed Forces personnel engaged the communist fighters at 3:58 a.m., with military commanders confirming all 19 fatalities were armed combatants killed during lawful combat operations. Troops recovered 24 firearms during the encounter, according to official military statements.
MPOC Recommendations Drive Council Decision
The Sangguniang Bayan justified its resolution by referencing constitutional responsibilities to maintain peace, order, and public safety within municipal boundaries. Council members specifically cited guidance from the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), which recommended formal condemnation of insurgency-related violence and stronger alignment with national security objectives.
According to the resolution, the CPP, NPA, and NDFP represent organizations linked to armed rebellion, violence, civilian casualties, property destruction, and interference with local development programs throughout the Philippines. The council stressed protecting residents from terrorist activities that compromise community security and stability.
High-Profile Casualties Include Bounty Target
The fatalities included Roger “Ka Jhong” Fabillar, identified as the NPA Northern Negros Front commander, who carried a ₱1-million government reward for capture or elimination. AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. characterized the operation as a major victory in ongoing counter-insurgency campaigns.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) confirmed all 19 deaths as NPA fighters, including American citizens Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem. Task force intelligence indicates both Americans entered the Philippines independently during late March 2026 before proceeding to Negros Occidental. Reports suggest Prijoles maintained connections with Anakbayan-USA dating to 2012.
Additional casualties encompassed University of the Philippines students Alyssa Alano and Maureen Keil Santuyo, Paghimutad-Negros publication writer-editor RJ Nichole Ledesma, and community researcher Errol Wendel, prompting inquiries about their involvement in the remote location during combat operations.
Disputed Narratives Surface
While Philippine Army officials maintain all casualties were armed combatants engaged in legitimate military action, the NPA’s Apolinario Gatmaitan Command released an April 23 statement partially confirming some deaths were their fighters while asserting others were civilians documenting peasant conditions.
Buklod Kapayapaan Federation Inc., a government-recognized organization of former insurgents, conducted field investigations on April 27. Their fact-finding mission challenged assertions that certain victims were researchers or journalists, confirming no authorized civil society documentation activities were occurring in the area during the encounter.
Rights Commission Opens Probe
The Commission on Human Rights initiated independent investigations on April 26 following contradictory accounts about victim identities. CHR officials referenced international humanitarian law requirements mandating military forces differentiate between combatants and non-combatants during armed operations.
House Makabayan bloc legislators filed a resolution April 27 demanding congressional investigation into alleged civilian killings. Their proposal includes comprehensive examination of Memorandum Order No. 32, which lawmakers connect to expanded militarization across Negros Island.
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza issued pastoral guidance April 20 expressing grief over the deaths and characterizing the incident as deeply concerning, urging community prayers and reflection regarding ongoing regional violence.
Resident Evacuation Persists
Mayor Richard Jaojoco reported over 600 residents from 167 to 168 families in Barangays Salamanca and San Jose remain displaced following the armed encounter. These evacuees continue residing in temporary shelters at local educational facilities while awaiting military authorization to safely return home.
The mass displacement creates substantial municipal challenges, overwhelming resources and disrupting routine community functions. Local authorities coordinate with military leadership to accelerate clearance procedures and facilitate resident reintegration into normal activities.
Unanimous Council Support Achieved
All present council members endorsed the resolution during the session. Supporting legislators 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 representatives LnB President Edgar M. Agabon and SKF President Ladislao A. Villanueva II provided additional endorsement, reflecting comprehensive local government agreement on addressing municipal security challenges.
This official declaration establishes Toboso’s formal position opposing communist insurgency while demonstrating local commitment to supporting national anti-terrorism initiatives and safeguarding community development and resident welfare.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Armed Forces of the Philippines
