The Rachelle Mae Palang Command-New People’s Army (RMPC-NPA) condemns the 11th IB’s continued military presence in the hinterlands of Southern Negros Oriental since the start of 2024. Despite declaring the so-called ‘Stable Internal Peace and Security Status (SIPS)’ in the area, these warmongers grossly commit atrocious crimes and human rights violations in the pretext of such ‘peace’.

Since January 2024, the following are the four Retooled Community Support Programs (RCSPs) in the town of Siaton:

1. Casala-an barangay proper
2. Sitios Balaskan and Kaduldulan, Barangay Napacao
3. Sitio Salingkubong, Barangay Tayak
4. Apoloy barangay proper

And two more in Santa Catalina town:

1. Sitios Tamlang and Avocado, Barangay Talalak

These RCSPs formed by the 11th IB are forcibly imposing curfews at 7:00 pm in these areas. The military also forces and threatens residents to pose as surrenderees and ‘NPA supporters’, based on their ‘data’ gathered from traitors of the revolution. While committing these acts, the RCSP troops also hold illegal gambling activities while being stationed near households in clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

In the second week of September, 11th IB troops have also conducted focused military operations in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. For 18 days, Barangays Banawe, Yupisan, San Isidro, Balayong, Fatima, and Inawasan, were attacked relentlessly by the fascist battalion, trying to eliminate their illusion of ‘NPA ‘remnants’ in the area to no avail. They also utilize paramilitary groups such as the Pulahan to act as intelligence assets and military guides during their operations. As they continue their vicious attacks against the people of Pamplona, justice is yet to be served to the victims of the Pamplona massacre last March 2023.

These RCSPs and FMOs are strategically placed in Siaton, Santa Catalina, and Pamplona to act as the paid uniformed miscreants of the ruling class to instill fear among the peasant masses in the countryside. These areas are populated sitios that are subjected to the entire ‘Tamlang Valley Zone of Peace’ economic plan of the province, a misnamed plan that will convert agricultural and indigenous people’s lands into a neoliberal hub for mining, ecotourism, and other foreign and local businesses that prioritize profit. Up to now, farmers and farm workers are yet to recover from the effects of the El Niño phenomenon and the successive typhoons, alongside the skyrocketing prices of goods and services while their products and wages remain low even for mere subsistence.

RMPC-NPA will remain determined alongside the masses to protect and promote their rights and welfare. The armed revolution in Southeast Negros will continue to advance, especially now as the socioeconomic crisis is being worsened further by impunity and wanton violence by the US-Marcos regime.