Local officials and indigenous youth leaders in Occidental Mindoro have dismissed online reports alleging that civilians were harmed during a series of New Year’s Day clashes between government troops and communist rebels.
In a resolution adopted 7 January, the Abra de Ilog Municipal Peace and Order Council confirmed that the 1 January encounters in Barangay Cabacao involved elements of the New People’s Army. The council stated that verified reports from local authorities and community leaders show no civilian casualties occurred.
The council’s findings directly contradict claims circulated on social media by certain groups alleging that Mangyan children were killed during the military operation.
“Some of these groups are claiming people were killed, but they cannot even provide names, families, or a single verifiable detail,” said Col. Michael Aquino, spokesperson for the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division. “The local government, the sitio leaders, and the Mangyan youth themselves have all gone on record saying there were no civilian casualties.”
The Balanan Mangyan Youth Organization also issued a statement 10 January condemning the presence of the CPP-NPA-NDF in their ancestral lands, stating the insurgents have disrupted education and threatened the livelihoods of indigenous families.
“Our ancestral lands should never be used for armed struggle,” the youth group said, noting that indigenous communities bear the brunt of the trauma caused by the conflict.
The 2nd Infantry Division said the operations were launched in response to residents’ reports of armed rebels in the area. Military officials stressed that the troops adhered to strict rules of engagement to ensure the protection of non-combatants.
Community leaders from Sitio Mamara confirmed in interviews that while the presence of the armed group caused fear and anxiety, no residents were injured or killed during the crossfire.
The peace and order council has urged provincial leaders to issue a formal statement reaffirming Mindoro’s commitment to security and warned the public against sharing unverified claims that spread confusion in conflict-affected areas.