By CESAR JOLITO III
To stop the wave of killings attributed to New People’s Army (NPA) remnants in northern Negros, the Philippine Army has joined forces with five local government units (LGUs) to build a grassroots intelligence network reaching even the remotest sitios.
“The goal is to enable communities to alert authorities about the presence of rebel remnants, so security forces can immediately respond and prevent liquidation or extortion activities,” 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) commander Brigadier General Ted Dumosmog said.
The initiative involves the municipalities of Calatrava and Toboso, and the cities of Escalante, Cadiz and Victorias, all in Negros Occidental, in close coordination with barangay officials and the Philippine National Police.
Authorities confirmed that at least 10 civilians — mostly farmers and former rebels — have been killed in Toboso, Calatrava, E.B. Magalona, Cadiz, and Victorias, and other parts of Negros since last year.
Victims were accused by the NPA of being military informants.
“The NPA remnants target the most vulnerable sectors to create fear and project that their terror group remains alive,” Dumosmog added.
The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (NIR) has ordered the formation of special task groups in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to probe the killings.
The Commission on Human Rights has also launched parallel investigations, while cases have been filed against identified suspects.
Military intelligence links the series of attacks to the group of Roger Fabillar, also known as “Arnel Tapang,” “Jhong” and “Nono,” who is now the subject of a P1-million reward for his capture or neutralization.
Despite attempts by NPA remnants to regroup and recruit new members, Dumosmog assured that government forces have sufficient deployment to contain them.
He added that no reinforcements from other NPA fronts outside the island have been detected so far.
“Our priority is to deny them the space to recover, while working closely with communities to protect innocent lives,” Dumosmog stressed.
Peace drive
Meanwhile, Dumosmog said the 303IB will strengthen government efforts to combat insurgency and improve peace and order initiatives in NIR.
He noted that the recent reestablishment of NIR allows for a dedicated budget allocation, enabling peace and development programs to focus solely on Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
“This is a big help because now we have a separate budget for NIR,” Dumosmog said, stressing that streamlined resources will boost counterinsurgency and grassroots development efforts.
The statement was made during a turnover ceremony of Provincial Peace and Order-funded projects held at the Social Hall of the Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the program with Dumosmog and Provincial Planning and Development Office officer-in-charge Anna Marie Lucasan, highlighting initiatives aimed at empowering local frontliners.
Among the support distributed was more than P1 million worth of insurance claims under the Barangay Insurance Program, benefiting barangay tanods, officials, employees, health workers, and nutrition scholars from different localities across the province.
In addition, P390,000 in transportation allowance was turned over to 30 peace and development community volunteers serving various LGUs.
Lacson said the assistance reflects the provincial government’s continuing commitment to back community-based frontliners who play key roles in peace, order and public service delivery.
“These initiatives are a recognition of the sacrifices of our barangay frontliners and volunteers, who are vital partners in building safer and stronger communities,” Lacson added./CJ, WDJ