High-ranking CPP-NPA cadre among 19 killed in Negros encounter

TOBOSO, Negros Occidental—The death toll in the April 19 encounter in Barangay Salamanca has risen to 19, after sources confirmed to Kontra-Kwento the recovery of another high-ranking cadre of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Kontra-Kwento earlier reported 18 fatalities, but subsequent clearing operations late yesterday led to the discovery of an additional casualty, bringing the total to 19. Among those previously identified was Roger Fabillar, also known by the aliases “Jhong,” “Arnel Tapang,” and “Nono,” a high-ranking rebel leader and alleged hitman operating under the Northern Negros Front (NNF).

Sources said the latest fatality is believed to be another senior official of the NNF, described as a “secretary”-level cadre who had long been monitored due to alleged involvement in armed activities in northern Negros. The identities of several casualties are still undergoing verification.

According to sources, the series of clashes began at around 3:30 a.m. and lasted until about 2:00 p.m., turning into a prolonged running gun battle that started in Sitio Tiguib, Brgy. Salamanca and ended in Sitio Dawis, Brgy. Udtungan, Escalante City.

Clashes trigger evacuation

Following the confirmation of the 19th casualty, regional former rebels organization Negros Island Regional Federation of Peace Advocates (NIRFPA) continues to monitor the situation of civilians displaced by the fighting.

As of 6:00 a.m., April 20, 2026, NIRFPA confirmed a total of 562 individuals as displaced across affected areas. These include 230 individuals from Brgy. San Jose, Toboso, 136 from Brgy. Salamanca, Toboso, and 196 from Brgy. Udtungan, Escalante City.

Evacuees are currently sheltered in designated evacuation centers, mostly in elementary schools, where local government units are providing food, water, and other essential assistance. Authorities continue to monitor conditions on the ground to ensure the safety of affected families, many of whom fled their homes in the early hours of the morning as gunfire intensified.

Local officials said displacement remains fluid as clearing operations are still ongoing, and residents have yet to be cleared for safe return.

Not the first time

This is not the first time that clashes in Toboso have forced communities to evacuate.

In March 2025, around 400 residents were displaced following an encounter between government troops and remnants of the NPA’s Northern Negros Front in Barangay General Luna. They were allowed to return home only after the military declared the area secure, prompting the resumption of classes in affected villages.

Similarly, in February 2024, a series of encounters between government forces and NPA members in Toboso and Escalante led to the displacement of hundreds of families. Authorities later facilitated their return after stabilization efforts, alongside the provision of financial and relief assistance from government agencies.

These recurring evacuations underscore the continuing impact of armed conflict on civilian populations in northern Negros, particularly in areas where remnants of insurgent groups remain active.

One government soldier was reported wounded in the April 19 encounter but is now in stable condition. Meanwhile, clearing operations continue as authorities assess the full extent of the clash. As of writing, the NPA has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

Casualty figures and identities are based on independent reports from Kontra-Kwento’s sources and remain subject to further verification by authorities.