The Philippine Army (PA) will sustain its campaign against communist insurgents despite a series of deadly encounters in Negros Occidental that left 19 alleged New People’s Army (NPA) members dead, its chief said Monday, April 20.

Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarette, PA commanding general, mourned the loss of lives in an encounter between troops from the 79th Infantry Battalion under the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) and remnants of the Northern Negros Front in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19.

“The Philippine Army condoles with the families of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members who perished in the military operation on April 19, 2026 in Toboso, Negros Occidental. It is unfortunate that these CTG members were themselves victims of lies and deception that exploit the vulnerable,” Nafarrete said.

“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. The Philippine Army stands firm in our mission to serve the people and secure the land,” he added.

Initial field reports relayed by PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said 19 NPA members were killed after six encounters between the opposing forces while one Army soldier sustained a minor injury but is now in stable condition.

The Visayas Command (Viscom) said the operation dealt a major blow to insurgents trying to regain ground in northern Negros. Government forces also recovered at least seven high-powered firearms along with war materiel.

“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,” said Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, VISCOM commander.

Among those killed was Roger Fabillar, also known as Jhong or Arnel Tapang, tagged as head of the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) under the Northern Negros Front.

The VISCOM said Fabillar had a P1 million bounty and was linked to killings of civilians in Escalante City and Toboso.

“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,” Reyeg said.

The armed conflict in Negros Island has long been tied to land disputes and poverty. Insurgent groups have maintained a presence in remote areas for decades, though the military has repeatedly declared weakened guerrilla fronts in recent years.

“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 said.

Even as the military pressed its advantage, it renewed its call for remaining rebels to surrender.

“Every life lured into the communist terrorist armed insurgency represents a tragedy for the Filipino nation. It is our sincere hope that the remaining CTG members will lay down their arms and choose the path of peace,” Nafarrete noted.