Kalinga still not ‘insurgency-free’

BAGUIO CITY — The Philippine Army (PA) says Kalinga remains the only province in the Cordillera Region that has yet to be declared “insurgency-free.”

Brig. Gen. Dean Mark Mamaril, commander of the 501st Infantry “Valiant” Brigade, said recent armed encounters between government troops and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) continue to be a concern for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

On 21 November 2025, soldiers clashed with about 15 alleged NPA rebels believed to be part of Platoon Dos of the Ilocos–Cordillera Regional Committee in Bayao, Pinukpok, Kalinga. The skirmish was followed by three more gunfights in the same municipality. An NPA member was reported killed and one soldier was wounded in a clash on 23 November.

Government forces are pursuing the fleeing rebels.

Mamaril said internal security operations are ongoing to protect Kalinga residents. He expressed hope that the remaining rebels will surrender and reintegrate into the community, paving the way for Kalinga to be declared insurgency-free — similar to Benguet, which recently earned the status.

He added that such a declaration would help boost Kalinga’s economy and improve its image. Mamaril also disclosed that Abra is expected to be declared insurgency-free by December 2025.