Two Alleged NPA Rebels Killed in Quezon, Occidental Mindoro
LUCENA CITY – Two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in separate clashes with government forces in Quezon and Occidental Mindoro provinces on August 1 and 2. These encounters highlight ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the region.
According to sources, government troops from the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2nd ID) engaged with NPA rebels in Barangay Maguibuay, Tagkawayan, Quezon, on Saturday morning. The 16th Infantry Battalion reported that one rebel was killed during the firefight, and soldiers confiscated three high-powered firearms.
Since Tagkawayan borders the Bicol region, it is believed that the communist guerrillas involved were based in Camarines Sur province rather than Quezon. Notably, local officials had declared Quezon province free from communist insurgent influence just two months prior.
Peace Declared in Quezon Province
In June 2023, local government leaders, police, and military officials in Quezon announced that the province had achieved “Stable Internal Peace and Security” (SIPS) status. This means the Communist Party of the Philippines, the National Democratic Front, and the NPA no longer pose a significant threat to peace and order within Quezon’s communities.
On the other hand, in Occidental Mindoro, government troops encountered a group of NPA rebels in Barangay Naibuan, San Luis, around 8:35 a.m. on Friday. Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrex Molina, an information officer from the 2nd ID, said the brief firefight resulted in the death of one NPA fighter. No government casualties were reported.
Rebels Fleeing, Troops Recover Weapons
After the encounter in Occidental Mindoro, soldiers recovered an M16 rifle, four magazines, a mobile phone, ammunition, and communist documents abandoned by fleeing rebels. Local villagers tipped off the troops about the presence of the NPA in the area, showing growing community support against armed groups.
“This latest operational gain highlights the growing support of local communities who are choosing to stand against the presence of armed groups in their barangays,” said Molina.
Major General Ramon Zagala, 2nd ID commander, expressed sorrow over the loss of lives but emphasized the military’s commitment to protecting civilians and enforcing the law. He said, “While we do not rejoice in the loss of any Filipino life – including those misled into taking up arms – we are duty-bound to protect our people and uphold the rule of law.”
Military’s Call for Peace and Surrender
Zagala warned remaining NPA members that violence and intimidation have no place in local communities. He vowed that the military will continue operations until peace is fully restored in Mindoro and surrounding areas.
He urged rebel fighters to surrender and live peacefully among their fellow Filipinos.
The 2nd Infantry Division operates in the Calabarzon region—covering Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Quezon, and Rizal—as well as the islands of Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon.
For more news and updates on NPA encounters, visit Filipinokami.com.
