BACOLOD City — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has created a special task force following the deadly armed encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental, as authorities move to fast-track investigations, identify remaining fatalities, and pursue suspects linked to the clash.
The formation of the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Toboso marks a coordinated and intensified response to the April 19, 2026 encounter in Sitio Sinugmawan, Barangay Salamanca.
The task group is led by Col. Dennis Wenceslao, provincial director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO).
Authorities reported that the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB), under the 303rd Infantry Brigade, dealt a significant blow to suspected members of the Northern Negros Front (NNF) of the Komiteng Rehiyon–Negros, a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). The operation resulted in the neutralization of 19 alleged members and the recovery of assorted assault rifles during the clash.
Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of PRO-NIR, said that in the aftermath of the firefight, the Toboso Municipal Police Station established checkpoints and conducted dragnet operations in key areas, particularly at Crossing Salamanca, to prevent the escape of armed individuals and ensure the safety of nearby communities.
Specialized units, including Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, were deployed to process the site, recover evidence, and secure the area for follow-up operations.
To ensure proper identification of the fatalities, the SITG was tasked to establish the identities of the recovered bodies through forensic examination, documentation, and coordination with local government units and relatives of the deceased.
Through these efforts, PRO-NIR has so far identified eight of the 19 fatalities: Rene Villarin Sr. of Calatrava; Roger Fabillar Tapang and Ruel Sabillo of Toboso; Sonny Boy Caramihan of San Carlos City; Pedro Bonghanoy of Escalante City; Arnel Javoc of Calatrava; Joros Caramihan of Don Salvador Benedicto; and a 17-year-old boy from Escalante City.
PRO-NIR said the cadavers were positively identified and subsequently claimed by their respective families.
Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay, regional director of PRO-NIR, emphasized that the identification and release of the bodies reflect the professionalism, compassion, and commitment of the police in carrying out lawful duties while respecting humanitarian considerations.
Malong said efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining fatalities through coordination with possible relatives, validation of submitted information, review of available records, and further medico-legal and forensic documentation. Police are also facilitating the orderly release of confirmed cadavers once all documentary and legal requirements are completed.
Meanwhile, police reported a major operational breakthrough days after the encounter with the arrest of five suspected CTG members during a warrant operation on April 22, 2026, in Barangay Matab-ang, Talisay City.
The operation, conducted under COPLAN “HEAD STRIKE,” involved joint elements from PRO-NIR intelligence units, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), local police, and the 79IB.
Arrested were individuals identified by their aliases: “Glem” of Zamboanga Sibugay; “Dan” of Himamaylan; “Jud” of San Carlos City; “Ju” of Murcia; and “Je” of Bacolod City.
Operatives served a warrant of arrest against “Glem” for attempted murder. During the operation, four additional individuals were apprehended after being found in possession of firearms and explosives. Some of the suspects reportedly sustained body wounds.
Recovered from the suspects were four short firearms, several rounds of live ammunition, and explosive devices.
PRO-NIR disclosed that the arrested individuals were part of the group involved in the Toboso encounter and had managed to evade authorities following the clash.
Ibay said police will continue to work closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local governments, and communities to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law.
“The formation of the task group ensures that all aspects of the incident—from investigation to victim identification and suspect pursuit—are handled thoroughly and with accountability,” he said.
Authorities remain on heightened alert as follow-up operations continue across Negros Island./PN
