The 302nd Infantry Brigade (IB) of the Philippine Army (PA) continues its operations against remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the province, with joint patrols and checkpoints in January this year.
Through this, no violent incident was initiated by the terrorist group members during the covered period, citing sustained combat and community-based operations.
Army Captain Elroy Larot of the 302IB said continuous combat campaigns were conducted using two brigade-size, three battalion-size and 960 small-unit operations, primarily in the areas of the 1st District.
“For the period, there were no members of the NPA who initiated violent incidents or armed actions in Negros Oriental,” said Larot.
Beyond combat efforts, the army intensified non-combat initiatives to strengthen civilian trust and community resilience.
So far, the brigade has conducted over 629 psychological support, 596 public affairs and 596 civil affairs activities to reinforce the military’s role as a service-oriented institution committed to national development.
To prevent armed groups’ movement, weapons, and illegal substances, the army also performed a total of 326 interdiction operations covering airports, bus terminals and area checkpoints.
However, the army officer reported a significant encounter that occurred in Barangay Binobohan, Guihulngan City on the last day of January 2026, leaving two communist terrorist group members dead.
This led to the recovery of several war materials, including one unit M16 rifle with serial number 713621 with four long magazines 5.56, one unit caliber .45 pistol with SN 251371, one hand grenade, and subversive documents.
Brigadier General Jason Jumawan, commander of the 302IB, said the encounter was the result of prolonged and coordinated military pressure rather than a single operation.
“The intent of the brigade operations is to pressure them to surrender. We do not intend to kill them,” said Jumawan.
He added that the army would continue post-military and security operations in the province to address the remaining threats while working closely with law enforcement agencies and local governments to maintain long-term peace and stability. (PIA-NIR Negros Oriental)