𝗢𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗿𝗮 𝗱𝗲 𝗜𝗹𝗼𝗴 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗹𝗱

January 05, 2026

The armed encounters in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro on January 1 have been widely reported, but too often without the context that explains why the operation happened and who has been affected.

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Jerlyn Rose Doydora. No family should have to bury a child, and no young Filipino should be lured away from school and home into armed conflict.

At the same time, we must be honest about what current information indicates. Jerlyn Rose Doydora was not simply a “student caught in crossfire.” Based on information and verification received by authorities on the ground, she had already been drawn into the New People’s Army (NPA). This does not lessen the tragedy, it defines it: a tragedy of radicalization and recruitment, where a young life is taken from civilian pathways and brought into armed violence.

Our priority now is to help secure the safe recovery of the other students reportedly involved, through lawful, coordinated, and responsible efforts, and to bring them back to their families.

The public also deserves to know that the operation did not occur in a vacuum. The engagements in Sitio Mamara, Barangay Cabacao followed reports from residents regarding alleged intimidation, extortion, and abuses linked to armed NPA elements. Communities that have lived in fear for years are now speaking up and asking the government for protection.

Local leaders have also spoken clearly. The Liga ng mga Barangay of Abra de Ilog issued a unified condemnation of CPP-NPA-NDF presence and activities in their municipality. When barangay officials and community members collectively call for peace and stability, that voice should not be sidelined.

We likewise take note of the statement of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Shrine and Parish in Mamburao, which confirmed heightened security measures after the uncoordinated arrival of a group claiming to be from Karapatan shortly after the incident. Prudence by local institutions during tense security situations should not be misrepresented; it reflects a community’s right to safety, order, and accountability.

Finally, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has stated that the January 1 engagements were part of a legitimate operation conducted in response to community reports, with support employed in accordance with rules of engagement, including troop protection and casualty evacuation considerations. Reports of identification documents recovered during the operation underscore a deeply disturbing reality: the continuing recruitment of young people into armed units in rural areas.

NTF-ELCAC will not allow this incident to be reduced to slogans, selective outrage, or propaganda. We owe the public the full truth, especially our youth and the communities most affected.

We call on all sectors to help prevent further recruitment, to encourage those deceived into joining armed groups to return to their families, and to support peaceful, lawful pathways to addressing grievances, without endangering our youth and communities.

USec Ernesto C Torres Jr

Executive Director

NTF ELCAC