• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Armed Forces of the Philippines honored 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers for the neutralization of elusive rebel leader Rogelio Fabillar, whose armed group was responsible for the death of at least 40 civilians who were accused of being military informants in northern Negros.
The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command (RJPC) – New People’s Army (NPA) in northern Negros has claimed responsibility for a series of killings in 2025-2026, targeting individuals they accuse of being military spies, informants, or “counter-revolutionaries,” especially in Toboso, Calatrava and Escalante City.
Fabillar, alias Jhong, was among the 19 suspected NPA rebels killed during a series of armed encounters on April 19, has a bounty of P2 million for his arrest.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawners Jr. recently led the awarding of Gold Cross and Distinguished Conduct Star to 79IB soldiers at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City, following the successful neutralization of armed insurgents in Toboso, Negros Occidental, and the recovery of 24 high-powered firearms.
Brawner emphasized that the success of the operation reflects the AFP’s sustained efforts to ensure peace and security, while upholding the highest standards of discipline and respect for human rights.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines also welcomed any investigations into the death of 19 rebels in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, which they maintained was a lawful, intelligence-driven combat operation against armed NPA elements.
The Commission on Human Rights in Negros Island Region has started its probe into the incident.*
