Local leaders, youth groups reject claims of civilian harm in Abra de Ilog encounters

Local government officials, peace and order authorities, and indigenous youth leaders in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro, have jointly dismissed online claims alleging that civilians were harmed during successive encounters between government troops and New People’s Army (NPA) elements in Barangay Cabacao on 1 January.

In a resolution adopted on 7 January, the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) of Abra de Ilog confirmed that the armed incidents in Sitio Mamara were linked to the presence and activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

The council reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to peace, public safety, and the rule of law.

The MPOC condemned all forms of armed violence and expressed full support for continued coordination between local government units and security forces to protect civilians and prevent further disruption in affected communities. It also noted that the continued presence of armed groups in the area has caused fear and anxiety among residents, and urged provincial leaders to issue a strong public statement reaffirming the province’s commitment to peace and security.

Indigenous youth leaders echoed the council’s position. In a statement dated 10 January, the Balanan Mangyan Youth Organization condemned the presence and actions of the CPP-NPA-NDF in their communities, saying these have brought fear, trauma, disrupted education, and threatened the livelihood and dignity of Mangyan families.

“Our ancestral lands should never be used for armed struggle,” the group said, stressing that indigenous communities bear the brunt of insecurity caused by armed conflict.

Community leaders from Sitio Mamara and nearby areas also spoke out through video interviews, stating that no civilians were harmed during the January 1 encounters and that the armed presence in their area was the primary source of danger and fear for their families.

These statements directly contradict claims circulated by certain groups alleging that civilians, including Mangyan children, were killed during the operations. Verified reports from local authorities, sitio leaders, and troops on the ground confirm that no civilian casualties occurred.

Col. Michael Aquino, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division and chief of its Division Public Affairs Office, said the accusations lack factual basis.

“Some of these groups are claiming people were killed, but they cannot even provide names, families, or a single verifiable detail,” Aquino said.

“Meanwhile, the local government, the sitio leaders, and the Mangyan youth themselves have all gone on record saying there were no civilian casualties. Their voices matter because they are the ones who live there,” he added.

Aquino likewise stressed that the MPOC resolution and the youth organization’s statement demonstrate that attempts to discredit government operations are not grounded in realities on the ground but are narratives meant to mislead the public.

The 2nd Infantry Division said the 1 January operations were conducted in response to residents’ fears over the presence of armed NPA elements and were carried out with strict adherence to rules of engagement and the protection of civilians.

The military also urged the public to rely on verified information from local authorities and community leaders, and to refrain from sharing unverified claims that could spread fear and confusion in communities affected by armed conflict.