Timeline of New People's Army attacks (2016) explained

This timeline contains the events of the communist rebellion of the year 2016.

Timeline

January

• January 8 – A NPA rebel accompanied by his mother surrendered to the authorities in Zamboanga del Norte.^[1]
• January 20 – The 16th Infantry Battalion arrives in Tandag, Surigao del Sur for deployment against the NPA.^[2]
• January 26 – Three soldiers were killed in a gunfight between suspected NPA rebels and soldiers in Kalinga.^[3]
• January 30 – NPA guerillas torched two bulldozers owned by Del Monte Philippines Inc. and a boom sprayer owned by Lapanday Pineapple Plantation Company; another attack targeted a spray truck of Dole Philippines Inc. in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.^[4]

February

• February 3 – Two separate clashes between government troops and NPA rebels occurred in Pantukan, Compostela Valley resulting in 3 soldiers killed.^[5]
• February 7 – The Cotabato provincial civil security unit chief and his bodyguard were killed by three NPA gunmen.^{[6] [7]}
• February 9–10 – Two separate clashes occurred in Compostela Valley between government forces and NPA rebels resulting in two rebels killed.^[8]
• February 11 – The Army deployed more troops in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur to prevent the NPA rebels from extorting from electoral candidates.^[9]
• February 16 – Six policemen were killed and 8 were wounded after 40 NPA rebels ambushed the group of the Regional Public Safety Battalion in Baggao, Cagayan.^[10]
• February 18 – A police car in Candoni, Negros Occidental was ambushed by NPA rebels resulting in 2 policemen dead and 4 others injured.^[11]
• February 23 – The NPA claimed responsibility for the ambush on a police patrol car in Candoni, Negros Occidental.
• February 25 – In an emailed statement, Maria Malaya, the spokesperson of the National Democratic Front said the NPA launched 19 attacks against military troops in 4 provinces in northeastern Mindanao.^[12]
• February 20 – Troops from the 60th Infantry Battalion along with CAFGU members captured a bomb making factory of the NPA in Kapalong, Davao del Norte.^[13]
• February 29 – The AFP intensified its drive to get more members of the NPA to surrender.^[14]

March

• March 1 – The Northern Mindanao Police Regional Office 10 placed all field units on "full alert" status in preparation for the NPA's 47th anniversary on March 29 and the May presidential elections.^[15]
• March 1 – Banana and pineapple farmers reported increased attacks by the NPA rebels on farms, facilities and equipment.^[16]
• March 7 – A raid was conducted by NPA rebels in a police station in Balangkayan, Eastern Samar. The rebels ransacked the armory and took 16 Armalite rifles, a shotgun, 2 laptops, uniforms and personal belongings.^[17]
• March 9 – A firefight occurred between the Army and NPA rebels at around 12:00 noon in Sitio Baganao, Brgy. Kibalabag, Malaybalay, Bukidnon.^[18]
• March 14 – A political adviser of the NPA's Guerilla Front 27 and Sub-Regional Committee 2 was arrested by the military and police authorities in Lupon, Davao Oriental.^[19]
• March 15 – A 30-minute clash occurred in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro between elements of the 4th Infantry Battalion and 30 NPA fighters. The clash resulted in 5 troopers dead and 4 wounded.^[20]
• March 16 – A NPA encampment in Agusan del Norte was captured by government forces after a series of gun battles which left 2 rebels killed and undetermined number of rebels wounded.^[21]
• March 17 – Nine explosions were believed to had been set off by the NPA in Masbate. Two police personnel were injured after one of the blasts struck their patrol vehicle.^[22]
• March 17 – An NPA rebel was killed and another was captured by government troops.
• March 17 – An NPA rebel was killed and a NPA unit vice-commander was captured after a clash between the 39th Infantry Battalion and the NPA's Guerilla Front 72.
• March 19 – A leader of the Milisya ng Bayan of the NPA and his 12 followers surrendered to the 1001st Infantry Battalion at Sitio Logpaton, Brgy. Kingking, Pantukan, Compostela Valley.^[23]
• March 28 – The Philippine Army pulled out some of its troops in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, considered a stronghold of the NPA to boost the security forces in neighboring Canlaon after a series of shootings that killed 3 and injured another.^[24]
• March 28 – NPA rebels set up checkpoints in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.^[25]
• March 30 – Two soldiers were killed and 4 others are wounded in two separate skirmishes with NPA rebels in Agusan del Sur and Bukidnon.^[26]
• March 30 – A rebel was killed and another was captured after a firefight in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.^[27]

April

• April 2 – Soldiers belonging to the 25th Infantry Battalion and police personnel from the Compostela Valley Police Provincial Public Safety Company (CVPPSC) engaged in a firefight with some 20 NPA rebels from Guerilla Front 27. The firefight resulted in 1 rebel killed and 12 high powered firearms recovered.^[28]
• April 2 – Two soldiers belonging to Special Task Force Masbate and 3 NPA Sparrow units clashed in a public market in Masbate City. One soldier and a Sparrow was wounded. Another Sparow was arrested.^[29]
• April 3 – NPA rebels temporarily barricaded highways in Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental at 5:00 am. The rebels left 20 minutes later.^[30]
• April 3 – Two policemen were abducted by the NPA in Impasugong, Bukidnon.^[31] Three policemen and 2 soldiers are now under the custody of different NPA units after they conducted 10 roadblocks in 3 provinces.^[32]
• April 5 – A Sangguniang Bayan candidate was killed by alleged NPA guerillas in Abra after he alleged refused to pay P20,000.00 permit-to-campaign fee imposed by the rebels.^[33]
• April 6 – A soldier was wounded in a clash between troops and NPA rebels in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro.^[34]
• April 7 – A militiaman was killed by NPA rebels in Matanao, Davao del Sur.^[35]
• April 8 – A 15-minute firefight erupted in Bukidnon between government troops and NPA rebels. Two soldiers and undetermined number of rebels were wounded.^[36]
• April 13 – Jones, Isabela Vice Mayor Ronaldo Lucas was killed by NPA rebels after he allegedly violated the rebels' agreement to campaign in the 2016 elections.^[37]
• April 15 – A squad of soldiers with CAFGU were involved in an encounter with NPA rebels in Libon, Albay. A member of the CAFGU Active Auxiliary was killed and another militiaman was wounded.^[38]
• April 16 – More than 60 NPA rebels overran a detachment of the 72nd Infantry Battalion in Paquibato district, Davao City and seized 19 high-powered firearms, ammunition and 4 grenades.^[39]
• April 16 – Two militias and 5 policemen were captured by NPA rebels after a series of raids in Davao City.^[40]
• April 17 – Five soldiers were seriously wounded after their vehicle was ambushed by the NPA in Samar.^[41]
• April 18 – A private warehouse in Valencia, Bukidnon was ransacked by NPA rebels. The NPA seized 1,384 sacks of rice and loaded them into four trucks. The operation was dubbed as "Operation Rice-Seizure".^[42]
• April 20 – An Army sergeant was shot dead by armed men believed to be members of the NPA.^[43]
• April 21 – A soldier was abducted by 30 armed men believed to be members of the NPA.^[44]
• April 25 – Five policemen who were abducted by the NPA rebels on April 16 were freed.^[45]

May

• May 1 – A soldier was shot and killed by suspected NPA members.^[46]
• May 2 – A high ranking commander of the NPA was captured by authorities at a checkpoint in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.^[47]
• May 6 – Suspected NPA rebels ambushed a group of supporters of mayoral candidate Vice Mayor Melanie Uy in Jones, Isabela. Three were killed while 4 were wounded.^[48]
• May 7 – A convoy was ambushed by NPA rebels in Gamay, Northern Samar, resulteding in 1 soldier dead and 4 others wounded.^[49]
• May 14 – Two soldiers were killed while 2 others were wounded in a clash with suspected NPA rebels in Toboso, Negros Occidental.^[50]
• May 19 – The NPA claimed responsibility for the killing of a retired policeman in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental.^[51]
• May 21 – Government forces seized a NPA encampment in Lopez, Quezon.^[52]
• May 22 – Suspected NPA rebels attacked a farm workers' bunkhouse in Sagay, Negros Occidental, resulting in 2 farmers killed and 2 others injured.^[53]
• May 23 – Two NPA rebels and 4 soldiers were wounded in a 2-hour firefight in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat.^[54]
• May 28 – A soldier was killed while 2 others were wounded in a firefight with NPA rebels in Escalante, Negros Occidental.^[55]
• May 29 – Suspected NPA rebels simultaneously attacked a municipal hall and a police headquarters in Davao Oriental.^[56] They also abducted the police chief of the police station.^[57]

June

• June 3 – The US Department of State re-designated the NPA in the list of foreign terrorist organizations.^[58]
• June 3 – Two police officers died while a civilian was wounded after 3 men believed to be NPA rebels ambushed the police officers in Bulan, Sorsogon.^[59]
• June 3 – Four suspected members of the NPA were arrested by authorities in Butuan, Agusan del Norte.^[60]
• June 5 – Four people were killed in a firefight between NPA rebels and paramilitaries in Bukidnon.^[61]
• June 6 – A top leader of the NPA was arrested in Claver, Surigao del Norte.^[62]
• June 9 – Four alleged high-ranking NPA members were arrested in Butuan.^[63]
• June 10 – Two soldiers were killed in an ambush by suspected members of the NPA in Davao Oriental.^[64]
• June 11 – Suspected NPA rebels killed 2 soldiers in Pilar, Sorsogon.^[65]
• June 15 – Suspected NPA rebels ambushed 5 policemen in Pio V. Corpuz, Masbate. One policeman was wounded.^[66]
• June 17 – A 20-minute firefight erupted in South Cotabato resulting in 2 NPA rebels killed.^[67]
• June 29 – A high-ranking NPA leader was arrested by authorities in Compostela Valley.^[68] Meanwhile, a female NPA leader was arrested in Siaton, Negros Oriental.^[69]
• June 30 – A reelected councilor was killed by 3 NPA rebels in Isabela, Negros Occidental.^[70]

July

• July 1 – An NPA commander and his aide were killed during a gunfight with the military in North Cotabato.^[71]
• July 5 – A policeman was abducted by 15 suspected NPA rebels in Carmen, Surigao del Sur.^[72]
• July 5 – A clash in Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur left 2 NPA rebels and a civilian military volunteer killed.^[73]
• July 9 – Three NPA fighters were killed after a clash with government forces near Mauban, Quezon.^[74]
• July 12 – A two-hour firefight near Atimonan, Quezon left one soldier and one NPA fighter dead and 5 soldiers injured.^[75]
• July 27 – One militia member was killed and 4 others were injured after an NPA ambush in Davao Del Norte, just two days after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire.^[76]

August

• August 5 – A group of 40 suspected NPA members in Apayao burned three trucks belonging to a company which refused to pay protection money.^[77]
• August 6 – An elite soldier from the Philippine Army was killed during a clash in Bukidnon, with the NPA suffering an unknown number of casualties.^[78]
• August 9 – The Communist Party of the Philippines issued a statement, ordering the NPA to intensify its attacks in the countryside, despite peace talks with the government being weeks away.^[79]
• August 19 – Three militiamen were wounded after NPA fighters 'harassed' their detachment near Laiya Aplaya, San Juan, Batangas.^[80]
• August 19 – Four NPA members were killed after an attempted ambush near San Luis, Agusan del Sur.^[81]
• August 20 – The ceasefire between government forces and the CPP-NPA took effect across the country, with troops returning to barracks and combat operations ceasing.^[82]
• August 26 – Rebels released a police officer from Tandag, Surigao del Sur who had been abducted on July 5.^[83]

December

Notes and References

1. Web site: NPA rebel surrenders in Zamboanga del Norte. January 10, 2016. Interaksyon. June 4, 2016.
2. News: Army battalion lands in Tandag for deployment vs NPA. Gallardo. Froilan. January 22, 2016. MindaNews. May 31, 2016.
3. News: 3 soldiers killed in Kalinga clash. Visaya. Villamor. January 27, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. May 30, 2016.
4. Web site: NPA torches heavy equipment in Bukidnon. Orias. Pamela. January 30, 2016. Sun Star. May 30, 2016.
5. News: Army junior officer, 2 soldiers killed in ComVal clashes vs NPA. Mangosing. Frances. February 4, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. May 30, 2016.
6. Web site: North Cot govt security force chief gunned down. Lopez. Alex. February 7, 2016. Davao Today. May 30, 2016.
7. Web site: NPA owns killing of Cotabato security chief. Andrade. Thom. February 9, 2016. Interaksyon. May 30, 2016.
8. News: Fresh encounters erupt in ComVal, 2 NPA rebels killed. Lopez. Alexander. February 11, 2016. Manila Bulletin. May 30, 2016.
9. News: Army deploying freshly retrained soldiers for poll duties in Surigao. Gallardo. Froilan. February 11, 2016. MindaNews. May 30, 2016.
10. News: 6 cops killed, 8 wounded in NPA encounter in Cagayan. De Jesus. Julliane. February 16, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. May 31, 2016.
11. Web site: NPA owns Candoni ambush. Gomez. Carla. February 24, 2016. Visayan Daily Star. May 31, 2016.
12. Web site: NPA launches at least 19 offesives in Mindanao on 30th EDSA anniv. Capistrano. Zea. February 27, 2016. Davao Today. May 30, 2016.
13. Web site: Guns, explosives found in NPA bomb factory. Aben. Elena. February 25, 2016. Tempo. May 31, 2016. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160226092518/http://www.tempo.com.ph/2016/02/25/news/regional/guns-explosives-found-in-npa-bomb-factory/. February 26, 2016.
14. Web site: AFP intensifies drive to get NPA rebels to surrender. Sinapit. Jaime. February 29, 2016. Interaksyon. May 30, 2016.
15. News: Full alert status raised in Northern Mindanao. Crismundo. Mike. March 1, 2016. Manila Bulletin. May 30, 2016.
16. News: NPA rebels stepping up attacks on banana, pineapple growers. Francisco. Carmelito. Carillo. Carmencita. March 1, 2016. Business World. May 30, 2016.
17. News: NPA raid bloodless, but heads rolled in police force. Gabieta. Joey. March 12, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. May 31, 2016.
18. Web site: Army, NPA rebels clash anew in Malaybalay City. March 11, 2016. Philippine Information Agency. May 30, 2016.
19. Web site: Another NPA leader nabbed in Compostella Valley. Cudis. Christine. March 16, 2016. Sun.Star. May 31, 2016.
20. Web site: 5 troopers killed, 4 wounded in Or. Mindoro clash. Sinapit. Jaime. March 16, 2016. Interaksyon. May 31, 2016.
21. News: AFP captures major NPA encampment in Mindanao. Crismundo. Mike. March 18, 2016. Manila Bulletin. June 4, 2016.
22. Web site: 9 blasts rock Masbate; rebel slain, another captured in Davao del Sur. Sinapit. Jaime. March 17, 2016. Interaksyon. May 30, 2016.
23. News: NPA's Milisya ng Bayan leader and 12 other members surrender to military. Colina IV. Antonio. March 21, 2016. MindaNews. May 30, 2016.
24. Web site: Army augments security in Canlaon. Espina. Marchel. March 28, 2016. Sun Star. May 30, 2016.
25. News: NPA rebels set up checkpoints in Agusan, Surigao del Sur, lecture motorists on gov't ills. Panganiban. Chris. March 28, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 4, 2016.
26. News: 2 soldiers killed, 4 others wounded in clashes with NPA. Crismundo. Mike. March 30, 2016. Manila Bulletin. June 3, 2016.
27. News: Suspected rebel killed, another captured in Nueva Ecija firefight. Galang. Armand. March 30, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 3, 2016.
28. Web site: 12 rifles seized in Compostella firefight. Pates. Karlo. April 3, 2016. Sun Star. May 31, 2016.
29. Web site: Army sergeant, NPA rebel wounded in Masbate market site clash. April 4, 2016. Interaksyon. June 4, 2016.
30. News: NPA rebels barricade some highways in Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental. Jerusalem. Jigger. April 3, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. May 31, 2016.
31. News: 2 cops abducted at 'NPA checkpoints' in Bukidnon. Cupin. Bea. Lagsa. Bobby. April 4, 2016. Rappler. May 30, 2016.
32. Web site: NPA rebels capture 3 cops, 2 soldiers in Mindanao. Saliring. Alwen. April 3, 2016. Sun Star. June 4, 2016.
33. News: Abra SB bet killed over Reds' campaign fee. Picana. Thom. April 6, 2016. The Manila Times. May 30, 2016.
34. News: Army, NPA clash in Mindoro; soldier wounded. Mallari Jr.. Delfin. April 6, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 4, 2016.
35. News: NPA rebels execute militiaman in Davao del Sur. Dinoy. Orlando. April 7, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. May 31, 2016.
36. News: 2 Army soldiers wounded in gun battle with commies. Crismundo. Mike. April 8, 2016. Manila Bulletin. May 30, 2016.
37. News: Isabela vice mayor shot dead by NPA rebels - police. Visaya. Villamor. April 13, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. May 31, 2016.
38. Web site: Militiaman killed, another wounded in Albay firefight with rebels. Sinapit. Jaime. April 16, 2016. Interaksyon. May 31, 2016.
39. Web site: NPA raids Army detachment in Davao, seizes 18 high-powered guns. Sinapit. Jaime. April 17, 2016. InterAksyon. June 4, 2016.
40. News: NPA captures 2 militias, 5 policemen in Davao. Jacinto. Al. Marasigan. Fernan. April 18, 2016. The Manila Times. June 4, 2016.
41. Web site: Five Army soldiers wounded by landmine blast in Samar. Bautista. Ricky. April 17, 2016. InterAksyon. May 31, 2016.
42. News: NPA seizes 1,384 sacks of rice from Bukidnon trader, calls her hoarder. Manlupig. Karlos. April 20, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 1, 2016.
43. Web site: Army sarge shot dead. Lopez. Alexander. April 22, 2016. Tempo. May 30, 2016. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20160423124724/http://www.tempo.com.ph/2016/04/22/news/regional/army-sarge-shot-dead/. April 23, 2016.
44. Web site: Army, police eye links between soldier's abduction and farmer's protest in Kidapawan. Philippine News Agency. April 25, 2016. InterAksyon. May 31, 2016.
45. News: NPAs release five captive PNP officers to Duterte. Santes. Jonathan. April 25, 2016. Manila Bulletin. June 4, 2016.
46. Web site: Soldier, 2 workers killed in shootings. Masculino. Glazyl. May 3, 2016. Sun Star. June 4, 2016.
47. Web site: Top NPA leader captured at PNP-AFP checkpoint. Mascarinas. Erwin. May 3, 2016. InterAksyon. June 4, 2016.
48. News: Ambush: 3 supporter ng kandidato patay. Catindig. Raymund. May 7, 2016. The Philippine Star. June 4, 2016.
49. News: Sundalo na convoy ng Comelec utas sa NPA. Tulipat. Ricky. May 8, 2016. The Philippine Star. June 4, 2016.
50. Web site: Two soldiers die in a clash with NPA in Negros Occidental. Andrade. Thom. May 14, 2016. InterAksyon. June 12, 2016.
51. News: NPA owns up killing retired cop-turned-preacher in Gingoog. Jerusalem. Jigger. May 19, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 14, 2016.
52. News: Military seizess NPA camp. Estacio. Danny. May 22, 2016. Manila Bulletin. June 21, 2016.
53. Web site: NPA attacks farm workers' bunkhouse; 2 killed. Espina. Marchel. May 23, 2016. Sun.Star. June 12, 2016.
54. News: Four soldiers, two NPAs hurt in new fighting. Aben. Elena. May 25, 2016. Manila Bulletin. June 21, 2016.
55. News: Soldier killed, 2 hurt in clash with rebels in Negros Occidental. Gomez. Carla. May 28, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 12, 2016.
56. News: Suspected NPAs attack Davao Oriental town hall, police station. Manlupig. Karlos. May 29, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 11, 2016.
57. News: NPA rebels abduct Davao Oriental town police chief. Caduaya. Editha. May 30, 2016. Rappler. June 20, 2016.
58. News: US designates CPP-NPA, Abu Sayyaf as terror groups anew. Diola. Camille. June 3, 2016. The Philippine Star. June 7, 2016.
59. Web site: Suspected NPA rebels kill intel cops. June 5, 2016. Update Philippines. June 12, 2016.
60. Web site: 4 NPA fighters arrested in Butuan City. Mascarinas. Erwin. June 4, 2016. InterAksyon. June 7, 2016.
61. News: Child, 3 killed as NPA, militiamen clash in Bukidnon. Manlupig. Karlos. June 7, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 11, 2016.
62. News: Surigao del Norte NPA leader arrested. Vargas. Anthony. June 8, 2016. The Manila Times. June 11, 2016.
63. News: 4 alleged top NPA members nabbed in Agusan del Norte raid. June 10, 2016. GMA News. June 14, 2016.
64. News: 2 soldiers ambushed by NPA in Davao Oriental. Mangosing. Frances. June 10, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 11, 2016.
65. News: 2 soldiers killed in Sorsogon attack. Arguelles. Mar. June 11, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 12, 2016.
66. Web site: Cop wounded in Masbate NPA attack. June 15, 2016. InterAksyon. June 20, 2016.
67. News: 2 NPA rebels killed in South Cotabato clash. Fernandez. Edwin. June 17, 2016. Philippine Daily Inquirer. June 18, 2016.
68. News: Top NPA leader with P5M bounty nabbed in ComVal. Roxas. Joseph. June 30, 2016. GMA News. July 2, 2016.
69. News: Woman NPA leader arrested in Negros. Yap. Tara. June 30, 2016. Manila Bulletin. July 2, 2016.
70. Web site: Isabela town councilor shot dead. Espina. Marchel. June 30, 2016. Sun Star. July 2, 2016.
71. News: NPA commander, aide killed in North Cotabato clash. Unson. John. July 2, 2016. The Philippine Star. July 9, 2016.
72. News: 1st cop abducted by NPA during Duterte watch. Crismundo. Mike. Ocampo. Yas. July 6, 2016. Manila Bulletin. July 9, 2016.
73. News: 3 killed in Army-NPA clash in Zamboanga del Sur. July 6, 2016. GMA News. July 9, 2016.
74. News: 3 NPA guerrillas killed in Quezon clash — military. July 9, 2016. GMA News. GMA News. October 21, 2016.
75. News: Soldier, suspected rebel killed in Atimonan clash. July 12, 2016. GMA News. October 21, 2016.
76. News: 1 dead, 4 hurt in NPA ambush in Davao del Norte. July 27, 2016. GMA News. October 21, 2016.
77. News: Suspected NPA members burn three trucks in Apayao. August 5, 2016. GMA News. October 21, 2016.
78. News: Elite soldier killed in Bukidnon clash with communist rebels —military. August 6, 2016. GMA News. October 21, 2016.
79. News: CPP orders NPA rebels to intensify offensive, launch raids. August 9, 2016. GMA News. October 21, 2016.
80. News: 3 gov't militiamen hurt in NPA harassment in Batangas. August 19, 2016. GMA News. October 21, 2016.
81. News: Troops kill 4 NPAs in Agusan del Sur. August 20, 2016. GMA News. October 21, 2016.
82. News: Troops return to barracks as gov’t declares truce with CPP-NPA. August 21, 2016. GMA News. October 21, 2016.
83. News: NPA rebels release police officer abducted last month. August 26, 2016. GMA News. October 21, 2016.