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)

TACLOBAN CITY– A former senior member of the New People’s Army (NPA) has urged the remaining rebels in Calbiga, Samar to abandon armed struggle and return to peaceful civilian life after the town was declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC).

The appeal was made by alias “Lyn,” a former secretary of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame, who surrendered to government forces in 2024 after spending 24 years in the underground movement.

Her statement came after Calbiga was formally placed under SIPSC status through a resolution approved by the Sangguniang Bayan and endorsed by the municipal peace and order council, a development authorities described as a key milestone in the town’s peace process.

Lyn said she joined the NPA as a young student after being promised access to education, but said these promises were never fulfilled, preventing her from completing her studies.
“It is a waste that I was not able to achieve my dreams,” she said, reflecting on her years in the armed movement.

She appealed to the remaining armed members—whom she estimated to be only a few individuals still originating from Calbiga—to surrender, noting that most are no longer operating within the municipality but have moved to other areas in Eastern Samar.
“What you are doing is against the law. There will be no real peace to be achieved, only more hardship and confusion,” she said, stressing that continued armed struggle only brings suffering.

Lyn also cited visible development in Calbiga, including infrastructure projects that have improved connectivity among remote villages and enhanced access to government services.

Calbiga Mayor Red Nacario said sustaining peace remains a priority, particularly in upland areas where 21 of the town’s 41 barangays are located. He emphasized that education is crucial in preventing the youth from being recruited into armed groups, noting the need for more secondary schools in remote communities.

“This is very important so that we can protect the youth, especially those in the uplands,” Nacario said, adding that the local government is also expanding livelihood and housing assistance for former rebels under programs such as the Saad nga Balay (House of Hope) initiative.

The military said Calbiga’s SIPSC declaration on April 23 marks a historic milestone, as the town was the site of the NPA’s first recorded tactical offensive in 1974.

Authorities said the declaration reflects continued progress toward stability, but stressed that sustained government services and community support remain essential to prevent any resurgence of insurgent influence.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY— Family members and colleagues of veteran journalist and publisher Johnny Dayang have renewed their appeal for justice, one year after he was gunned down inside his home in Kalibo, Aklan with no arrest yet made on the alleged gunman at the time of the commemoration.

Dayang, 89, a respected figure in Philippine journalism and former Kalibo mayor, was killed on April 29, 2025, in an attack that shocked the media community and drew condemnation from press freedom advocates.

Jun Aguirre, chairman of the Aklan Media-Citizens Council, said investigators are still working on the case but urged authorities to prioritize its resolution.

“We just hope the administration and the PNP continue to give priority in solving the case,” Aguirre said, noting that the alleged perpetrators remain at large despite earlier leads and a reward offered for information.

The Dayang family said justice remains “painfully incomplete,” adding that they have yet to be formally updated on any decisive breakthrough or arrest warrant execution in the case.
They stressed that honoring Dayang’s legacy also means ensuring accountability for crimes against journalists.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) said legal proceedings have advanced, with murder charges already filed in court and a warrant of arrest issued against the suspect identified as BB Boy Kim Wency Antonio.

Authorities said law enforcement units, including the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, are actively pursuing the suspect.

PTFoMS executive director Joe Torres urged continued vigilance among journalists, saying press freedom remains essential despite risks.

The Philippines continues to be flagged by international watchdogs as one of the most dangerous countries for media workers, with past cases of violence against journalists underscoring persistent concerns over impunity.

(RONALD O. REYES)