Philippines' Anti-Communist Operation Kills 2 US Citizens; US Embassy Issues Security Alert

(Central News Agency reporter Lin Xingjian, Manila, 1st) Two Filipino-American individuals recently died in the Philippines during a military operation to clear suspected communist rebels. The US Embassy in the Philippines today issued a security alert, reminding citizens to avoid high-risk areas and not to associate with armed or terrorist organizations. The US Embassy stated on its official website that the Philippine military had an armed conflict with the communist guerrilla "New People's Army" (NPA) in Negros Occidental on April 19, resulting in the deaths of personnel, including two US citizens. The security alert designates mountainous and suburban areas of Leyte, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar islands as "Areas of Heightened Concern," urging US citizens to "abide by local laws and avoid involvement in high-risk situations." The US Embassy pointed out that terrorist organizations often recruit foreigners to participate in armed activities or provide financial support. The "New People's Army" has been listed as a terrorist organization by both the US and Philippine governments, and those who associate with it may face significant risks such as "arrest, injury, or death." The Philippine military earlier confirmed that soldiers from the 79th Infantry Battalion engaged in a day-long firefight with suspected NPA members in a suburban area of Negros Occidental on April 19, killing 19 armed individuals, including two Filipino-Americans, and seizing 24 firearms. It is believed that these two US citizens were NPA members or supporters. The military emphasized that this clearing operation followed established rules of engagement and considered civilian safety. In recent years, the Philippine government has continuously promoted a strategy of simultaneous clearing and pacification. The armed strength of the "New People's Army" is estimated to have decreased from a peak of about 25,000 in the 1980s to less than 800 currently. However, sporadic firefights still occur in mountainous and remote areas where military and police control is relatively weak. (Editor: Tang Shengyang) 1150501 Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you make is a force to protect press freedom. Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news. The text, images, and audio-visual content of this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.