Government Troops Engage Suspected Communist Rebels in Negros Occidental Clashes
In a significant military operation, government forces clashed with suspected communist rebels in a series of encounters in Negros Occidental, leaving more than 10 alleged insurgents dead, the Philippine Army Visayas Command (Viscom) reported on Monday, April 20, 2026. The fighting occurred during six separate engagements in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, involving troops from the 79th Infantry Battalion under the 303rd Infantry Brigade of Joint Task Force Spear.
Recovery of Firearms and Identification of Key Insurgent Leader
Authorities confirmed that seven high-powered firearms, along with war materiel and personal belongings, were recovered from the encounter sites. Viscom identified one of those killed as Roger Fabillar, also known as “Jhong” or “Arnel Tapang,” who was described as a leader of the New People’s Army’s Special Partisan Unit (Sparu) operating under the Northern Negros Front. Fabillar was linked to killings of civilians in Escalante City and Toboso and reportedly carried a P1-million bounty on his head.
Military Leadership Comments on the Operation's Impact
Viscom chief Lieutenant General Fernando Reyeg stated that the series of clashes dealt a significant blow to insurgent operations in Northern Negros. “This setback weakens their ability to sow fear among communities and undermines their efforts to regain a foothold in the area,” Reyeg said. He commended government troops for their role in maintaining security in the region, highlighting the operation's success in disrupting rebel activities.
Call for Surrender and Ongoing Military Actions
Reyeg called on remaining insurgents in the Visayas to surrender, assuring them of government support should they return to civilian life. However, he warned that authorities would continue operations against those who persist in armed struggle. The military added that clearing and monitoring operations are ongoing in the area to ensure stability and prevent further insurgent movements.
