Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. honored soldiers with the Gold Cross for gallantry following a series of deadly encounters with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental, even as the clashes continue to draw scrutiny and trigger calls for investigation.
The medals were conferred on 12 troops, led by Captain Dexter Dauan, during the 52nd founding anniversary of the Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade held in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental on Saturday. The Gold Cross is the military’s third-highest combat decoration, awarded for acts of bravery in the face of the enemy.
Brawner commended the soldiers for their courage and discipline in carrying out operations that he said were crucial in maintaining security in the region. He stressed that military efforts in insurgency-affected areas go beyond combat, describing them as part of a broader push to secure communities and support long-term peace.
“This visit is both an opportunity to recognize your service and to reaffirm our commitment to lasting peace,” Brawner said, adding that the campaign reflects communities choosing development over violence.
The recognition follows a series of firefights on April 19 in Toboso, Negros Occidental involving troops from the Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, which resulted in the deaths of 19 alleged NPA members.
However, the incident has sparked controversy after reports indicated that some of those killed included students, a community journalist, and minors. The Commission on Human Rights has since launched an independent investigation, while Negros Occidental Rep. Javi Benitez filed a House resolution seeking a congressional inquiry into the operation.
Despite the concerns raised, Brawner stood firm on the military’s findings, asserting that all those killed were armed combatants affiliated with the NPA.
“We stand by our reports that all 19 were members of the NPA, and all were armed,” he said, noting that evidence would be presented before proper investigating bodies.
He also emphasized the military’s openness to scrutiny, maintaining that the operation was conducted within the bounds of the law and without abuse of authority.
At the same time, Brawner called on stakeholders to address what he described as the continuing recruitment of young individuals into armed groups, particularly students, as part of a broader effort to resolve the decades-long insurgency.
The incident highlights the continuing tensions in parts of Negros, where security operations against communist rebels remain active even as parallel calls grow for accountability and protection of civilians.