NPA-Northern Negros, determined to continue the people's war
After the bloody Toboso 19 massacre on April 19 in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental, the New People's Army (NPA)-Northern Negros (Roselyn Jean Pelle Command) declared its readiness and determination to continue the people's war in order to achieve justice for the massacred. Ten of those killed were Red fighters of the unit while nine were unarmed individuals.
Among the martyrs were NPA-Northern Negros commander Roger Fabillar (Ka Tapang) and the unit's political instructor Maria Clarita Branzuel Blanco (Ka Sanim/Pat). Also killed were Rene Villarin Sr (Ka During), squad leader; Genevieve Balora (Ka Raia), Party cadre in the district; Pedro Bonghanoy (Ka Regen), medical officer; Sonny Boy Caramihan (Ka Nikki); Arnel Javoc (Ka JR); Joros Caramihan (Ka Bunso); Labskie Purisimia Enustacion (Ka Judy); and Jocel Gimang (Ka John Paul).
According to Ka Cecil Estrella, spokesperson of the NPA-Northern Negros, the martyrs played a great role. He said that as Red fighters of the people's army, they directly participated in the production of farmers, held discussions on the rights of the exploited, and provided social services to the Negrosanon people.
As the main instrument of the Communist Party of the Philippines Committee in Northern Negros for advancing the people's war, the NPA unit helped expand and strengthen the mass base and Party branches. According to the committee's report in December 2025, Party membership expanded by 30% that year and new branches were established in large areas. Membership in underground mass organizations also grew by almost 50% while the number of those affiliated with the revolutionary movement tripled.
The NPA-Northern Negros also doubled the size of its area of operation and launched no fewer than 19 offensives and counter-offensive guerrilla actions. These operations were carried out up to towns near the provincial capital and populated areas.
“We salute each and every Red fighter who bravely practiced the class-based and invincible spirit of the New People's Army!” Estrella said. He added that the remaining Red fighters will continue to mobilize and strengthen to achieve justice for all victims.
According to Estrella, the martyrs' death is as heavy as Mount Kanlaon and their legacy continues to live on in every tear, sweat, and blood flowing through the masses. "They are the seeds, water, and sunlight that further nourished the harvest of the revolution's victories on the island of Negros and the entire country," he said.
“As the global crisis worsens, the people are increasingly being pushed into a condition where their only option is to resort to revolutionary violence to defend themselves and others,” Estrella said. This is also the reason why since the NPA was founded in Tarlac in 1969, taking root and expanding throughout the country to Negros Island, it has remained and is able to persevere.
"For fifty-seven years, reactionary forces have been trying to eliminate armed resistance but have been unable to root it out. The fascist soldiers and their bosses will never realize that as long as there are still masses mired in poverty, the people's war will surely advance," Estrella added
