Camille Naredo

The Philippine National Police headquarters in Quezon City.

The Philippine National Police headquarters in Quezon City. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched intensified operations against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) believed to be behind the killing of a police officer and a civilian in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.PSMS Rommel Aguilar of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company was killed in an armed encounter in Barangay Menchaca on December 7.A resident, who was reportedly preparing to attend Sunday Mass, was also killed when gunfire erupted.According to police reports, Aguilar and his team were conducting an operation against a wanted individual when six armed men allegedly opened fire.The troops were forced to disperse amid intense gunfire and difficult terrain.Aguilar’s body was later found at the encounter site.In a statement, acting PNP chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. condemned the attack and vowed that the police force will exhaust all efforts to pursue the assailants.“We deployed additional forces to hunt down those responsible for and we are also collating pieces of evidence for a case-build against them,” Nartatez said.“Ang seguridad ng mamamayan at ng ating mga pulis ay hindi namin isasakripisyo. We will pursue all necessary legal and operational measures to prevent further incidents,” he added.Authorities also appealed to residents of Calatrava and nearby barangays to immediately report any information that may lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects.The PNP further urged the NPA to abandon violent activities and instead pursue peaceful means.<div> </div><div>NAPOLCOM CONDEMNS ATTACK</div>In a separate statement, the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) strongly denounced the killings, calling the assault a direct attack on peace and the rule of law.“Attacking police officers performing their duty, and endangering innocent civilians, has no place in a society striving for genuine order and development,” NAPOLCOM vice chairperson Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said.Calinisan extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured them of NAPOLCOM’s support.He also expressed full backing for the PNP’s intensified pursuit operations.NAPOLCOM reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening police operations and upholding public safety, saying acts of terrorism and lawlessness “will never weaken our resolve to defend peace, justice, and the well-being of our communities.”

The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched intensified operations against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) believed to be behind the killing of a police officer and a civilian in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched intensified operations against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) believed to be behind the killing of a police officer and a civilian in Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

PNP launches manhunt for NPA rebels behind killing of cop, civilian in Negros Occidental

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PNP launches manhunt for NPA rebels behind killing of cop, civilian in Negros Occidental

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 09, 2025 11:47 PM PHT

Read More:

PNP

police

NPA

armed encounter

civilian

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