During the Christmas season, the Armed Forces of the Philippines perpetrated widespread attacks against civilian communities under the pretext of preventing celebrations for the 53rd anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Soldiers of the 75th IB attacked a Lumad wedding at Sitio Katabadan, Barangay San Roque, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on December 24, and fired at 30 residents who attended the ceremony. Businesswoman Vilma Tawede was shot and killed, and four others were wounded. The military made it appear that Tawede was a member of the New People’s Army (NPA).

In Sta. Teresita, Cagayan, it was reported on January 4 that 98th IB soldiers burned down three peasant huts at Sitio Bungcag, Barangay Luga. Afterwards, the military peddled a lie that the crime was perpetrated by the NPA.

In Northern Samar, the 8th ID shelled four times farmlands along the boundary of Barangay San Miguel, Las Navas, and barangays Osang and Hinagonoyan in Catubig, on December 26, 1 a.m. In the afternoon, the 20th IB, forcibly assembled residents of Barangay San Miguel, made them carry anti-NPA placards, and took photos of them to make is appear they voluntarily participated in rally against the CPP/NPA/NDF.

The 9th ID shelled the vicinity of Sitio Campo Nueve, Barangay Del Carmen in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur on December 28 and 29, 2021. The shelling lasted overnight, wherein at least 10 artillery shells were launched by the military. This resulted in the forcible evacuation of 100 residents from their homes. They sought refuge at a small chapel in the barangay. The attack was perpetrated after a failed offensive by the 83rd IB against an NPA unit wherein a soldier was killed, and two others were wounded.