Wanted NPA hitman among 19 killed in Toboso

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — After four years of pursuit, government troops have neutralized a suspected high-profile hitman linked to the New People’s Army in northern Negros Occidental.

Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, confirmed that Roger Fabillar, also known as “Jhong” and “Arnel Tapang,” was among the 19 rebels killed during a series of clashes in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental, on Sunday.

Fabillar had long been on the military’s radar, with authorities linking his group to extortion activities and a string of targeted killings in Calatrava, Toboso, and Escalante City since 2022.

In a phone interview with Daily Guardian on Monday, Dumosmog said military records showed that the group was allegedly responsible for 36 deaths, most of them farmers, as well as one police officer.

Among the victims attributed to the group were barangay captain Benjamin Javoc of Barangay Lalong, who was killed in August 2022; village councilor Benito Hubahib of Barangay Cambayobo, who was slain in February 2023; and Police Senior Master Sgt. Rommel Aguilar, who was found dead in December 2025 after a police operation, all in Calatrava.

A bounty of PHP 1 million had been offered by stakeholders for Fabillar’s capture.

Dumosmog said the bounty did not come from the Army, but from the community, and would be given to the individual who tipped off authorities about the rebels’ whereabouts.

Tracking Fabillar’s group proved difficult because its members frequently moved across different areas in northern Negros, according to Dumosmog.

Dumosmog said Fabillar’s death was a significant blow to the rebel group, particularly to its operations and propaganda efforts.

He described the outcome as a form of justice for victims who were allegedly branded as spies before being killed.

“This is justice for all the victims of spy-tagging. This will cause vaccuum in their leadership,” Dumosmog said.

Dumosmog said no civilians were harmed during the clashes, which began at 4 a.m. and ended at 3 p.m. after eight encounters.

He said troops cornered the rebels near a fishpond during pursuit operations, making retrieval of the bodies difficult.

He called on the remaining insurgents to return to the fold of the law and take advantage of government reintegration programs.

With this development, Dumosmog said residents of northern Negros could now begin to regain a sense of peace.

Initial reports showed that 20 firearms were recovered from the encounter site.

Authorities were still processing the crime scene as of Monday.

The Army has yet to release the identities of the fatalities as it coordinates with local government units to reach their families.

The clashes began when troops from the 79th Infantry Battalion responded to reports of unidentified armed men and engaged remnants of the dismantled North Negros Front.

The Northern Negros Front was officially declared dismantled in 2021, although authorities have since reported recovery efforts by remnant fighters in parts of northern Negros.

Dumosmog said he believed the group had gathered for a post-anniversary celebration and a possible liquidation operation in the area.

The firefight displaced about 500 residents in Toboso and parts of Escalante City.

Dumosmog said the evacuation was part of preventive measures to protect civilians.

The displaced residents are temporarily staying in evacuation centers.

One soldier sustained gunshot wounds to both arms and is recovering at a hospital in Bacolod City.

Military officials said the operation had boosted troop morale as efforts continue to address insurgency and push for lasting peace in northern Negros.

Dumosmog also thanked the police and other law enforcement units that augmented Army forces and helped secure the area through checkpoint operations to prevent enemy reinforcement.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army expressed condolences to the families of the New People’s Army members who were killed in the operation.

In a statement, the Army said it was unfortunate that the slain rebels were also victims of lies and deception that exploited the vulnerable.

“Every life lured into the communist terrorist armed insurgency represents a tragedy for the Filipino nation,” said Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commanding general of the Philippine Army.

“It is our sincere hope that the remaining NPA members will lay down their arms and choose the path of peace,” he added.

He commended the operating troops of the 79th Infantry Battalion for their steadfast commitment to the mission and dedication to duty.

He assured the Filipino people that there would be no letup in the campaign to end the decades-long communist insurgency.

The Philippine Army, he said, stands firm in its mission to serve the people and secure the land.

Further, the 15th Infantry Battalion also encountered remnants of the dismantled Southwest Front-Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros in Sitio Lomboy, Barangay Caliling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, on Saturday.