The United States Embassy in Manila has issued a security advisory warning its citizens of risks linked to the New People’s Army (NPA), citing concerns over recruitment, violence, and activity in high-risk areas across the Philippines.
The advisory states that the NPA is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by both the United States and the Philippines, and warns that such groups actively recruit foreign nationals to participate in or support their activities.
It also cautions that some non-governmental organizations may have links to armed groups, raising concerns about recruitment and support networks operating through legitimate platforms.
The embassy urged US citizens to comply with local laws and avoid areas with elevated security risks, particularly rural and mountainous parts of Leyte, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar, where recent encounters between government forces and the NPA have been reported.
The warning comes amid reports of an armed clash on April 19, 2026, which resulted in the deaths of two American nationals.
In a separate statement, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) expressed condolences over the deaths, including those of Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem, and called for clarity and accountability surrounding the incident.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) welcomed the advisory, saying it highlights concerns about the involvement of foreign nationals in local insurgencies.
Authorities reiterated calls for vigilance, urging individuals to avoid any affiliation with armed or insurgent groups and to remain aware of the legal and security risks involved.