By Priam Nepomuceno

ENCOUNTER. Firearms, anti-personnel weapons, subversive documents, and personal belongings recovered by troops of the 47th Infantry Battalion following an encounter with remnants of the New People’s Army in Barangay Tampalon, Kabankalan City on March 21, 2026. The military on Tuesday (May 12) reported that 625 New People’s Army rebels and supporters have surrendered or were either arrested or killed in military operations from Jan. 1 to May 7 this year. (Photo courtesy of 47th IB, Philippine Army)

MANILA – Government forces have “neutralized” 625 members and supporters of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) from Jan. 1 to May 7 this year, according to the military.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the figure includes rebels who surrendered, were arrested, or were killed in military operations.

“From this number, 548 surrendered, 28 were apprehended, 49 were killed in military operations,” Padilla said in an interview Tuesday afternoon.

The military also reported that 414 assorted firearms and 105 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered by NPA members and their supporters during the period.

In addition, government troops captured 25 NPA encampments nationwide.

“The data show consistent operational gains, but aside from the numbers, what is important is the gradual return of communities into normalcy and development,” Padilla said.

She added that the figures indicate that more communist insurgents are opting to surrender rather than engage government forces in armed encounters.

Padilla also said the trend reflects how many remaining NPA members are now choosing peace over conflict.

For the whole of 2025, the AFP said 2,018 NPA members and supporters were neutralized nationwide.

Of the total, 1,798 surrendered, 93 were arrested, and 127 were killed in various military operations.

“A total of 1,134 firearms and 531 anti-personnel mines were either seized or surrendered (during this period),” the AFP said.

The military also reported the capture of 149 NPA encampments from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 last year. (PNA)