• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Amid a probe into the Toboso incident by the Commission on Human Rights as well as the House of Representatives, Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. told 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., was “very proud” of their latest accomplishments.
The series of encounters in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso on April 19, between 79IB soldiers and the group of Roger Fabillar, who has been linked to more than 36 killings in northern Negros from 2025 up to April this year, led to deaths of 19 suspected rebels, including two Americans, two student activists, and a community journalist, as well as the recovery of 24 firearms, and explosives.
Brawner, who visited the 79IB headquarters in Brgy. Bato, Sagay City, on May 2, disclosed that President Marcos Jr. told him through a text message “Please extend my congratulations to our troops.”
More than 30 troopers of the 79th Infantry Battalion and military intelligence operatives were awarded with Gold Cross and Silver Cross medals by Brawner, for their successful military operations against the group of Fabillar, alias Jhong, who has a bounty of P2 million for his arrest.
Fabillar was among the 19 killed in Toboso encounters, where an Army soldier was also injured.
Brawner is unfazed by investigations either by Congress or Commission on Human Rights on the deaths of 19 suspected rebels, as he and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro stood firm behind the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, for doing their job in protecting the people against rebel atrocities.
He defended the military’s actions, emphasizing that government troops were performing their duty.
Brawner maintained that all 19 individuals killed in the recent encounter were armed, pointing to recovered firearms and evidence currently under examination by police forensic units.
“We stand by our findings. The encounter was legitimate, and those killed fought back,” he said, adding that “We have proof, which will be revealed during the investigation.”
In a video message relayed to troops, which was presented by Brawner, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro also expressed full confidence in the professionalism and integrity of soldiers involved in the operations.
“I have no doubt that you performed your duties with full honesty and professionalism,” Teodoro said, assuring troops that the government would stand by them amid ongoing and potential investigations.
He emphasized that the operation was intelligence-driven and conducted upon the request of affected communities, adding that authorities would not allow critics to undermine the reputation of soldiers.
Brawner reiterated that the military is open to any investigation by the Commission on Human Rights, Congress, Senate, or the courts, expressing confidence that troops acted within the bounds of law and did not abuse their authority.
He also urged investigators to focus on addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the recruitment of students and minors, saying the practice has persisted for years and has led to the deaths of many young individuals in armed encounters across the country, as well as the financing of insurgent activities.
Citing reports of Brig. Gen. Ted Dumosmog, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, Brawner said the NPA in northern Negros has been responsible for deaths of more than 36 innocent civilians, and at least 28 more killings in southern Negros, from 2025 to early 2026, where the incidents were even claimed by the group.
He added that many residents, including farmers allegedly subjected to extortion and forced contributions, have grown tired of the violence. This prompted civilians to provide information to the military, leading to operations against armed groups.
“That is why we were able to determine their location, where legitimate encounters took place,” Brawner said.
Brawner also said that troops should not be affected by misinformation in the social media, assuring them that the military leadership would stand firmly behind them.
He also vowed not to allow critics to undermine the reputation of soldiers.
“We will not abandon you. We are here to support you,” he told 79IB soldiers.*
