By CESAR JOLITO III

A suspected hitman of the New People’s Army (NPA) identified as Roger Fabillar, also known as “Jhong” and “Arnel Tapang,” was among 19 alleged rebels killed in a series of armed encounters with government troops at Barangay Salamanca in Negros Occidental’s Toboso town early Sunday morning, April 19.

Brigadier General Ted Dumosmog, commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, confirmed Fabillar’s death, describing it as a significant blow to rebel operations in northern Negros.

He said Fabillar had long been under surveillance for four years due to his alleged involvement in extortion and a string of killings.

“This is justice for all the victims they have murdered and tagged as spies to justify the killings,” Dumosmog said.

The firefight, which erupted at around 4:00 a.m. in Sitio Dawis, involved elements of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) and an armed rebel group, triggering mass evacuations in nearby communities.

Military records linked his group to at least 36 victims, mostly farmers, as well as the killing of a police officer in separate incidents since 2022 in Calatrava, Toboso and Escalante City.

Authorities said among those killed by Fabillar were:

* Barangay Lalong Captain Benjamin Javoc in Calatrava on August 26, 2022

* Councilor Benito Hubahib of Calatrava’s Barangay Cambayobo on February 22, 2023

* Police Senior Master Sergeant Rommel Aguilar in Calatrava’s Barangay Laga-an on December 7, 2025

A P1 million bounty had previously been offered for his capture.

Meanwhile, the clashes also left one government soldier injured, sustaining wounds to both hands.

He is currently recovering in a hospital.

Displaced

The firefight displaced at least 360 residents in Toboso, with figures possibly reaching up to 500, according to military estimates.

Civilians were evacuated as a precaution, with families from Barangay Salamanca taking shelter at Salamanca Elementary School, while others from Barangay San Jose are housed at Labi-labi Elementary School.

Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco said the local government responded immediately, providing food and other basic necessities to evacuees.

He said military operations are ongoing as troops continue to pursue fleeing insurgents.

Jaojoco also renewed calls for remaining rebels to surrender and avail themselves of government reintegration programs.

“Insurgency has been a long-standing problem in the province. It is high time for them to return to society and live peacefully,” he said.

Meanwhile, the authorities are calling for remaining NPA members to abandon the armed struggle.

“Return to the fold of the law. The government is ready to help you rebuild your lives through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program and other socioeconomic assistance,” their statement said./CJ, WDJ