Hunt continues for 8 remaining NPA rebels in Panay

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Philippine Army’s 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) estimates that only around eight members of the New People’s Army (NPA) remain in Central Panay, but soldiers remain committed to pursuing them to prevent any resurgence of insurgency.

Lt. Col. Richard Caliva, the newly installed 12IB commander, described the security situation in the area as “manageable” following the dismantling of the NPA’s Central Front.

“Because of the dismantling, they’re at an inconsequential level. But we didn’t stop running after them,” Caliva said.

Despite their reduced numbers, he continued to urge the remaining members to surrender peacefully.

“Pero kung patuloy silang magmamatigas para linlangin, guluhin at takutin ang mga komunidad, ang buong puwersa namin ay ilalatag namin para ipatupad ang naaayon sa ating batas—for us to get that lasting peace and progress,” he said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Michael Samson, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), admitted that tracking the remaining NPA remnants has become more difficult.

“In Panay, we’re dealing with a very small number of local terrorists. Halos hindi na namin ma-track because they’re just surviving,” he said.

Samson reiterated the military’s preference for a peaceful resolution.

“But if they continue with their ideology, the whole force of the 12IB and other battalions of the 301st Infantry Brigade are ready to put pressure on them and make their lives miserable to fast-track their decision to return to the folds of the law,” he said.

He emphasized that the NPA’s cause has been proven “useless and futile” over the years.

Samson cited visible improvements in peace and development in towns where NPA influence has been dismantled, including Calinog, Lambunao, Janiuay, and Maasin in Iloilo province, as well as other areas in southern Panay.

While the situation in Panay has improved, Samson said the bigger challenge remains in Negros Island.

“There are more than 50 rebels who are still operating in Negros Occidental,” he said.

Despite the reduced threat in Panay, Samson said the military remains vigilant as the island could still be used for logistical and financial support to the broader communist movement.

“It might not support the armed struggle here in Panay because the Central Front is already dismantled, but they may give support to the overall revolutionary movement,” he said.

Samson explained that any remaining resource generation or equipment in Panay may not be used locally, but could contribute to the NPA’s central committee operations at the national level.