NEGROS Occidental — The Sangguniang Bayan of Toboso in Negros Occidental has unanimously declared the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata in the municipality.
The declaration was formalized through Resolution No. 077-2026, approved during the council’s regular session on Tuesday, April 28, more than a week after an armed encounter between remnants of the rebel group and troops of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Salamanca.
The clash resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals reportedly identified as members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
In the resolution, the municipal council expressed “strong condemnation” of the insurgency and reaffirmed its support for peace-building initiatives and lawful governance.
It also stated that the move aligns with the efforts of the national government, including the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), in promoting sustainable peace and development.
The local government of Toboso, led by Mayor Richard Jaojoco and Vice Mayor Maria Luisa de la Cruz, reiterated its full support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other government agencies in maintaining peace and security.
The council emphasized the municipality’s commitment to promoting public safety and the general welfare of its constituents, noting that the CPP-NPA-NDF has been linked to acts of violence and armed insurgency in various parts of the country.
It added that the presence and activities of these groups have led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of local development efforts.
“The Municipal Council recognizes the need to protect the residents of Toboso from any threats posed by insurgent activities and to ensure a peaceful and progressive community,” the resolution read.
Copies of the resolution will be furnished to the Office of the President, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the provincial government of Negros Occidental, the AFP, the PNP, and other concerned agencies.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army reported the recovery of 24 high-powered firearms following the encounter. These include seven M16 rifles, three M14 rifles, three M1 Garand rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, several pistols and revolvers, as well as components for improvised explosive devices. (PNA)
