The Philippine Army said it is ready to face an investigation on the April 19 encounter with the rebel group, as some sectors have raised alarm over the huge number of casualties that included a community journalist and a student leader.
Calling the New People’s Army (NPA) a band of terrorists and criminals, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has ruled out peace talks with the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
“No. I object to any peace talks with the NPA,” Teodoro said on Saturday, May 2, as the military continues to defend its operation that led to the deaths of 19 rebels and civilians in Toboso, Negros Occidental last month.
“The Filipinos are at peace. They are the ones disturbing the peace, so why should we talk to them? They’re committing crimes,” Teodoro said.
“They’re committing crimes and it’s terrorism, plain and simple. So to call for peace talks is to elevate the morality of their cause to something legitimate, which I cannot accept,” the defense chief said.
The Philippine Army said it is ready to face an investigation on the April 19 encounter with the rebel group, as some sectors have raised alarm over the huge number of casualties that included a community journalist and a University of the Philippines student.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched an independent investigation on the incident, citing “grave concern” over the large number of fatalities.
Two of the fatalities were American citizens, as confirmed by the US embassy in Manila which issued an advisory for its citizens in the Philippines, citing intensified operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines against communist armed groups, especially in the countryside.
“US citizens have been present during recent military actions against the NPA. An April 19, 2026 armed clash resulted in the deaths of two Americans. We advise Americans in the Philippines and around the world to abide by local laws and to avoid situations with elevated security risk,” the embassy said.
It said areas of heightened concern include remote communities in Leyte, Mindoro, Samar and Negros province, “all of which have seen recent fatal clashes between NPA and Philippine forces.”
The NPA is a designated terror organization by the Philippine and the US governments.
“Anyone in proximity of NPA elements is at grave risk of arrest, injury or death. Foreign terrorist organizations actively recruit Americans to participate directly in terrorist activities and/or provide financial support,” the embassy advisory read.
It also urged US citizens not to engage with or join terrorist or insurgent groups. “If you unwittingly become associated with a group you suspect is engaged in terrorism or armed opposition to the Philippine government, the embassy can help. Contact us immediately,” it said.
American citizens should immediately leave areas where armed groups or individuals not belonging to the military or the police operate, according to the advisory.
The embassy also said the NPA and other armed groups have connections with some non-government organizations.
American citizens wishing to get involved in humanitarian activities should secure the correct visa and deal only with groups registered with the Philippines National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency.
“Volunteer groups should also coordinate with local governments, which can provide reliable security information and local context,” the embassy said.
The Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, which figured in the April 19 encounter, was defended by Toboso local officials who – in a resolution – earlier declared members of the NPA persona non grata.