Philippine Army defeats NPA rebels in Negros amid US‑Philippines joint exercise

Philippine Army troops from the 15th Infantry Battalion engaged New People’s Army (NPA) remnants in Cauayan, Negros Occidental on May 16, 2026, killing five rebels and seizing weapons including an M60 machine gun, M16 and M14 rifles, a grenade launcher and hand grenades. Local tip‑offs led soldiers to the South West Front fighters, prompting three gun‑battles that day. About 180 families from the barangays of Abaca, Poblacion and Man‑uling were evacuated for safety. Brig. Gen. Jason Jumawan, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, said the losses “expose the deteriorating condition” of the rebel front, while Mayor John Rey Tabujara condemned the violence and pledged continued coordination with the Armed Forces.

Concurrently, the United States and the Philippines conducted Exercise Salaknib at Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. U.S. Army Sgt. Jozen Alvarez secured a mortar firing point as part of the Joint Pacific Readiness Center Exportable Exercise, which integrates U.S., Philippine and partner forces to improve interoperability and regional readiness in the Indo‑Pacific.

The two operations underscore Manila’s dual focus on counter‑insurgency within its borders and strengthening defense ties with allies.