Five alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed while eight high-powered firearms, including one 60 machine gun, were seized during a series of encounters with government troops in Negros Occidental on Saturday, military officials said.
The clashes involved troops from the 15th Infantry Battalion under the 302nd Infantry Brigade and alleged remnants of the South-West Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros.
According to the military, the encounters occurred in the hinterlands of Barangay Abaca and Barangay Poblacion in Cauayan on May 16, 2026.
Authorities said the operations were launched after troops received information from local residents regarding the presence of armed individuals believed to be NPA remnants in the area.
Maj. Gen. Michael G. Samson, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the deaths of the five alleged NPA members marked a significant setback for the remaining armed groups operating in the region.
Samson said the operation reflected the military’s continued commitment, along with local communities, to protect civilians from threats posed by armed groups.
He also noted that the information provided by residents showed growing trust and confidence in the military among communities in Negros Occidental.
The Army said focused military operations would continue to prevent fleeing rebels from regrouping and to stop possible attempts to disrupt peace in nearby communities.
The 3rd Infantry Division also urged remaining members of the NPA to abandon armed struggle, surrender peacefully and avail themselves of government reintegration programs aimed at helping former rebels return to mainstream society.
