A series of reports from various commands of the New People’s Army (NPA) detail intensified armed encounters across the Philippine countryside in the first quarter of 2026, marked by rapid-response offensives, defensive maneuvers, and punitive actions against fascist military elements and intelligence assets.
On January 1, in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, a unit of the NPA engaged a large combined enemy force consisting of multiple infantry battalions and four attack helicopters. The encounter occurred as the NPA unit was hosting youth researchers conducting immersion studies among local communities.
Despite facing overwhelming force, the guerrillas executed active defense operations, successfully protecting both themselves and the civilians present.
More recently, on March 23, an NPA unit under the Lucio De Guzman Command launched a preemptive strike against troops of the 203rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) in Sitio Danlog, Barangay Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. The military unit was reportedly preparing to mount an attack when Red fighters opened fire.
According to spokesperson Ka Madaay Gasic, the NPA unit fought “valiantly” before executing a full and safe withdrawal without casualties. He said the encounter directly contradicts claims by the 203rd IBde that guerrilla forces no longer exist on the island.
Gasic further criticized intensified military operations under the government’s National Action Plan for Unity, Peace and Development (NAP-UPD), describing them as “destructive and burdensome” to local communities. He added that the peasants’ and Mangyan’s only hope for having land, better lives, peace and an end to militarization is through the NPA and the revolutionary movement.
In Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, three successive encounters on February 15 between NPA fighters and the 11th IB resulted in the deaths of five soldiers. The clashes began at dawn and continued over a span of 90 minutes.
NPA Negros Oriental spokesperson Ka Estrella Banagbanag said “The Red fighters foiled the attack by seizing the initiative,” she said, disputing military claims that the presence of the NPA in the region had been neutralized.
Meanwhile, in Southwest Negros, the Armando Sumayang Jr Command reported a series of harassment operations throughout March in celebration of the NPA’s 57th anniversary. These included coordinated strikes against 15th IB detachments and operating troops in Candoni and Cauayan towns on March 1, 9, and 16.
In Northern Samar, the Rodante Urtal Command reported multiple successful operations against the 19th IB in the latter half of 2025. These included:
- A December 15 ambush in Las Navas, killing two soldiers and wounding several others
- A December 10 defensive action in Silvino Lobos, where one soldier was killed
The command asserted that these actions contradict official government claims that guerrilla fronts in the region have been dismantled.
Across Negros Occidental and Leyte, NPA units carried out a series of punitive actions against individuals accused of acting as military informants or committing crimes against civilians.
- In Jaro, Leyte, an alleged intelligence asset of the 93rd IB was executed following a decision by a revolutionary court.
- In Escalante City, two individuals identified as intelligence operatives were targeted in separate operations, with firearms and documents seized.
- Another operation on March 4 targeted an individual accused of murder, who had previously been released from police custody.
- Additionally, Red fighters disabled heavy equipment belonging to an agricultural enterprise in Himamaylan City, rendering multiple vehicles inoperable.
Across all reported incidents, NPA commands emphasized a strategy of “active defense,” describing it as a method of countering superior military force through mobility, intelligence, and local support.
Throughout the reported encounters, NPA spokespersons emphasized that the sustained support of local communities has been crucial. Residents provided timely information about troop movements, sheltered Red fighters during operations, and helped sustain logistics in the most remote areas.
“As long as exploitation persists,” Banagbanag stated, “the people’s army will continue to strengthen.”