MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has formally ruled out the possibility of engaging in peace negotiations with the New People’s Army (NPA), labeling the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines as a band of terrorists and criminals. Speaking on Saturday, May 2, the chief expressed strong opposition to any formal dialogue, asserting that the insurgent group holds no legitimate standing to warrant such talks.
Teodoro’s firm stance comes as the military continues to defend a recent operation in Toboso, Negros Occidental, which resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals, including rebels and civilians.
“No. I object to any peace talks with the NPA,” Teodoro said. “The Filipinos are at peace. They are the ones disturbing the peace, so why should we talk to them? They’re committing crimes.”
Teodoro emphasized that the nature of the NPA’s activities precludes them from being viewed as a political entity with a valid cause. He noted that elevating the group to the status of a negotiating partner would be a mistake. “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,” he added.
The aftermath of the April 19 encounter has drawn significant scrutiny from the public, as reports confirmed the casualties included a community journalist and a student from the University of the Philippines.
In response to these developments, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has initiated an independent investigation, citing “grave concern” over the high death toll. The Philippine Army has stated it is fully prepared to cooperate with the probe regarding the 79th Infantry Battalion’s conduct during the clash.
The incident has also taken on international dimensions following the US Embassy in Manila’s confirmation that two of the fatalities were American citizens. In a security advisory, the embassy warned its citizens of the heightened risks in the Philippine countryside, particularly in Negros, Samar, Leyte, and Mindoro.
“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 advisory stated.
The embassy further cautioned that the NPA, which is designated as a terrorist organization by both the Philippine and US governments, actively seeks to recruit foreign nationals. The advisory noted that some non-government organizationss may have links to armed groups and advised volunteers to coordinate directly with the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency and local government units.
While the encounter remains under investigation, local officials in Toboso have stood by the military’s actions. The municipal government previously passed a resolution declaring members of the NPA persona non grata, signaling local support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ intensified operations against the insurgency in the region.| Sheenalei Briana Rayos
