• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has reported that more than 60 civilians had been killed by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Negros Island since 2025.
Of those killed, about 36 died in northern Negros and at least 28 in southern Negros, per data cited by AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
“We are not inventing this,” Brawner said during his visit to Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Sagay City, Negros Occidental May 2.
He noted that the series of summary executions of civilians were even claimed by the NPA.
“The people have grown weary of extortion and violence, prompting them to provide information to authorities that led to the operation, especially in Toboso. So, we were able to determine their (NPA) location, where the legitimate encounters took place,” Brawner said.
“Civilians themselves are speaking up because they are already fed up with these atrocities,” he added.
The AFP chief also welcomed the support of the Toboso municipal government, which declared the NPA as persona non grata. | GB
