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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Brawner rallies troops in Negros Occidental; soldiers hurt in NPA clashes lauded

Brawner rallies troops in Negros Occidental; soldiers hurt in NPA clashes lauded

Published May 3, 2026 04:25 pm

At A Glance

  • AFP Chief of Staff, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. visited troops in Negros Occidental on May 2 and urged them to sustain the military's gains after recent clashes with the New People's Army (NPA) that left 19 dead, including rebel commander Roger Fabillar.
  • Meanwhile, Philippine Army Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete awarded the Military Merit Medal to two wounded soldiers.
  • One was injured in the April 19 Toboso clash while another was hurt in a separate encounter in Calatrava.
  • The 79th Infantry Battalion also received a commendation from the Toboso local government for its role in securing the area after the encounters with the rebels.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. commends the personnel of 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion and urges them to uphold their duty to the Filipino people during his visit at the unit' headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental on May 2, 2026. (Photo: AFP)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. commends the personnel of 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion and urges them to uphold their duty to the Filipino people during his visit at the unit' headquarters in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, Negros Occidental on May 2, 2026. (Photo: AFP)
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. visited front-line troops in Negros Occidental on Saturday, May 2, and urged them to sustain the military’s gains after recent operations against communist rebels as two soldiers who were injured during separate clashes with the New People’s Army (NPA) were awarded with medals for their bravery.
Brawner went to the headquarters of the 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion in Barangay Bato, Sagay City, two weeks after the troops encountered remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the nearby municipality of Toboso on April 19, which claimed 19 lives including NPA commander Roger Fabillar.
“This visit is both an opportunity to commend your steadfast service and to reaffirm our shared commitment to securing lasting peace in your area of responsibility,” Brawner said.
He stressed that military gains must translate into lasting peace on the ground. He told troops to remain focused on their mission and noted that strong ties with communities would help prevent the return of insurgents.
“The campaign is not just a military effort but a collective stand of communities choosing progress over fear,” he said.
⁨Philippine Army (PA) Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete (left) confers the Military Merit Medal on a soldier who was wounded in a an encounter against New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, May 1, 2026. (Photo: PA)⁩
⁨Philippine Army (PA) Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete (left) confers the Military Merit Medal on a soldier who was wounded in a an encounter against New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, May 1, 2026. (Photo: PA)⁩
⁨Philippine Army (PA) Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete (left) confers the Military Merit Medal on a soldier who was wounded in an encounter against New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, May 1, 2026. (Photo: PA)⁩
⁨Philippine Army (PA) Commanding General, Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete (left) confers the Military Merit Medal on a soldier who was wounded in an encounter against New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, May 1, 2026. (Photo: PA)⁩
Meanwhile,  Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commanding general of the Philippine Army (PA), conferred the Military Merit Medal on a member of the 79IB who got injured during the April 19 clash in Toboso.
Nafarette visited the soldier, whose identity was not disclosed publicly for his security, at the hospital of Camp Gen. Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz.
The soldier sustained gunshot wounds on both the left and right arms following the intelligence-driven and community-supported operation against the NPA fighters in Brgy. Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental.
Another soldier who got wounded in a separate encounter in Calatrava, Negros Occidental was also awarded the Military Merit Medal by Nafarette.
Nafarette said the recognition highlighted the risks faced by troops in ongoing operations against insurgents, and underscored efforts to contain the dwindling rebel forces in the region.
He assured the Army’s full support to ensure the swift and full recovery of the injured troops.
In a related development, the 79IB received a commendation from the Toboso municipal government in recognition of the unit’s steadfast commitment to fulfilling its mandate of ensuring the safety and security of the people, particularly in the successful management of the aftermath of recent encounters in the town.

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