Justice Served: NPA commander behind killing of four soldiers in 2011 deadly Ifugao ambushes convicted by court

Ifugao, Philippines – An NPA commander was recently convicted of murder and frustrated murder in March 2026, a proof that justice will catch up against wrongdoers, according to 5^th ID Philippine Army.

The report was released by the 5^th ID on April 4, recalling that in 2011, members of the New People’s Army (NPA) staged a series of ambushes in Ifugao that killed and injured several soldiers.

Fifteen years after the deadly attacks, one of the commanders was convicted of murder and frustrated murder in March 2026.

The decision was issued by the Regional Trial Court in Lagawe, Ifugao, dated March 12, 2026, which found Casimiro Binayon—also known as “Peter” and “Rigor”—guilty of four counts of murder and four counts of frustrated murder.

The 5th Infantry Division (ID) identified Binayon as a former senior leader of the NPA operating in the Ilocos and Cordillera areas. The attacks he carried in 2011, said the 5th ID, were regarded as among the deadliest ambushes in the province.

The fatalities in the attacks were Pvt. Nonie Cohena, Pvt. Wendel Clemente, Cpl. Normandy Maravilla, and Pvt. Roderick Paltog. Meanwhile, those seriously injured were Pfc. John Paul Gorospe, Pvt. Jonel Canabang, Pvt. Alfred Liclican, and Pvt. Frank Liw-agan.

Binayon was arrested on March 26, 2023 in Ilocos Sur by government authorities.

With his conviction, the 5th ID, in a statement, emphasized that “justice does not forget,” adding that no matter how long it takes, those responsible for violence against state forces will be held accountable, as in the case of Binayon.

The 5th ID also noted that the court’s decision brings a sense of closure to the families of the four soldiers whose lives were taken 15 years ago.