NTF-ELCAC seeks UN probe into 98 alleged NPA killings

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has urged the United Nations and international human rights organizations to investigate 98 alleged killings attributed to the New People's Army (NPA) between 2021 and October 2026.

NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Liza Fidelis Cañada said 90 of the reported incidents occurred on Negros Island, with victims allegedly accused of being government informants before being killed.

The reported victims included farmers, laborers, women, elderly residents, barangay officials and former rebels who had returned to civilian life.

“These are not revolutionary acts. These are murders. No ideology, no political cause, and no armed struggle can justify the deliberate execution of defenseless civilians,” Cañada said during a FAQCheck press conference.

The task force recorded three incidents each in 2021 and 2022, 21 in 2024, 37 in 2025 and 34 from January to October 2026.

Cañada said the alleged killings could constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law, depending on the circumstances and individual criminal responsibility.

She called for independent investigations, preservation of evidence and prosecution of those responsible.

Prosecutor Chris Gonzales, spokesperson for Joint Regional Task Force 6, said law enforcement operations and case buildup were continuing in the Negros Island Region, with arrest warrants already issued in connection with relevant cases.

The NTF-ELCAC also reported that 33,381 barangays across 62 provinces had attained Stable Internal Peace and Security status as of 19 October.

Cañada urged human rights organizations to examine the allegations impartially, stressing that civilians must be protected regardless of the perpetrators' political affiliations.

“Every victim deserves justice. Every perpetrator must face accountability,” she said.