Following encounters with NPA rebels
TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID), which is based in Catbalogan City, has backed a recent security advisory issued by the United States Embassy in Manila, which cautioned American nationals against engaging with or supporting designated terrorist organizations, including in parts of Eastern Visayas such as Leyte and Samar provinces.
The U.S. Embassy issued the alert on May 1, warning its citizens of heightened military operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) in several provinces, and advising travelers to avoid areas where armed encounters may occur.
It also reminded U.S. nationals that the NPA is designated as a terrorist organization by both the United States and Philippine governments.
The advisory followed an April 19, 2026 armed encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental, where two American nationals were reported killed during a military operation against suspected communist rebels.
In a statement, the 8ID said the advisory is “timely and relevant,” stressing that Eastern Visayas remains vulnerable to attempts by communist terrorist groups to indirectly access resources through support networks that may involve foreign or unwitting individuals and organizations.
“This advisory is both timely and relevant, as Eastern Visayas—especially the provinces of Samar and Leyte—has seen efforts by communist terrorist groups to indirectly exploit foreign nationals through support networks,” it said.
“These often involve the channeling of resources or funding—sometimes through unwitting organizations—that may ultimately benefit armed groups operating in the region. Such forms of involvement, whether intentional or not, expose individuals to legal consequences and security risks under Philippine laws,” the division added.
The military warned that such activities—whether intentional or not—may expose individuals to legal consequences under Philippine law and security risks, particularly if funds or resources are ultimately diverted to armed groups like the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).
The 8ID emphasized that any form of material support, facilitation, or cooperation with designated terrorist organizations is prohibited and undermines ongoing peace and development efforts in the region.
The Army division noted that while Eastern Visayas has made significant progress in reducing insurgent influence, remnants of underground networks continue to attempt recruitment and resource generation.
The division also reiterated its support for the U.S. Embassy’s call for foreign nationals to exercise due diligence, ensure lawful and transparent engagements, and coordinate activities with legitimate institutions.
The 8ID said it remains committed to sustaining peace and security in the region and urged the public to report suspicious activities to authorities.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
