By CESAR JOLITO III
The Romeo Nanta Command of the New People’s Army (RNC-NPA) in South Central Negros reaffirmed its armed campaign and criticized ongoing military operations in parts of Negros Occidental while continuing tactical offensives against what it termed “legitimate targets.”
In a lengthy statement on December 26, attributed to spokesperson Ka Dionesio Magbuelas, the RNC-NPA claimed that large-scale military deployments since June 2025 have affected upland communities in the cities of Himamaylan and Kabankalan as well as Binalbagan town.
They alleged that at least 25 military columns have been deployed in populated areas, including near villages, schools, churches, and health centers, and accused troops of imposing restrictions such as curfews and limits on farm activities.
The NPA also alleged more than 20 cases of human rights violations involving over 40 victims in the past six months, claims that could not be independently verified as of press time.
The military has previously denied similar accusations, maintaining that its operations are lawful and aimed at dismantling armed groups while protecting civilians.
The rebel group linked what it described as worsening socioeconomic conditions in South Central Negros to rising production costs and declining farmgate prices, particularly affecting small sugar producers and farmworkers.
It cited sugar price fluctuations and palay prices reportedly dropping to as low as P9 to P15 per kilo, blaming neoliberal economic policies and repeated weather disturbances for deepening rural hardship.
The statement further accused the national government of corruption and governance failures, naming top officials and citing controversies such as flood control projects, while pointing to recent protests as signs of public discontent.
These assertions reflect long-standing positions of the underground movement against the state.
Despite sustained counterinsurgency efforts, the RNC-NPA claimed it has regained momentum under what it called a “Third Rectification Movement,” asserting renewed mass support in rural areas.
The group reiterated its call for intensified guerrilla warfare and vowed to expand political and armed actions in Central Negros.
Security officials have repeatedly urged the public to treat statements from insurgent groups with caution, stressing that such pronouncements are part of propaganda efforts.
Authorities have also called on remaining rebels to surrender and avail themselves of government reintegration programs.
The Philippine government continues to classify the Communist Party of the Philippines – NPA as a terrorist organization, while peace talks remain stalled amid ongoing clashes and security operations in several parts of the country.
Earlier, the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office strongly denounced the killings, calling them “senseless attacks targeting civilians and government personnel.”
“These murders underscore the desperation of the remaining rebel elements. We will ensure justice for the victims and intensify operations to prevent further atrocities,” police officials said in a joint statement./CJ, WDJ