The Municipal Council of Toboso in Negros Occidental has approved a resolution declaring the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata within the municipality's jurisdiction.
Resolution Details
The resolution, authored by Councilor Efren Mandajoyan, was approved during the regular session on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Mandajoyan stated that on April 19, 2026, an armed encounter occurred between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the NPA in Sitio Plaringding, Barangay Salamanca, within Toboso's territorial jurisdiction. The clash reportedly resulted in the death of 19 individuals identified as NPA members, causing fear and anxiety among residents and disrupting normal socio-economic activities in the affected community.
Commitment to Peace
Mandajoyan emphasized that the Municipality of Toboso is committed to promoting peace, order, public safety, and the general welfare of its constituents. He noted that the CPP-NPA-NDF, collectively referred to by government authorities as CTGs, have been associated with acts of violence and armed insurgency in various parts of the country. The presence and activities of these groups have led to violence, loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of local development efforts.
Support for National Efforts
The Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) recommended adopting measures expressing the municipality's strong condemnation of insurgency-related violence and its support for national peace and security efforts. Mandajoyan said, "Declaring the CTGs and CPP-NPA-NDFP as persona non grata expresses the strong condemnation of the local government against insurgency and affirms its support for peace-building initiatives and lawful governance." He added that this declaration aligns with the national government's efforts, including the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), in promoting sustainable peace and development.
