‘There are 7 remaining active rebels in Kalinga… konti na lang’ – 103rd Infantry Battalion’s Lt. Loreen Derama

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Lieutenant Loreen Derama of the 103rd Infantry Battalion reported that only seven active rebels remain in Kalinga, all of whom come from different municipalities in the province.

Providing an update on the peace and order situation during the Kapehan meeting held at the New Kalinga Capitol Conference Hall on Monday, December 1, Derama said that before the series of encounters between government troops and rebels in Pinukpuk from November 21–27, 2025, the army had been pursuing 31 active rebels operating across Apayao, Kalinga, and Abra.

Of this number, she said, a total of 12 were operating in Kalinga, 10 of whom are natives of the province. Out of these 12, only seven remain active. One was killed during the second gunfight on November 23, while the others have already surrendered to authorities.

Based on her presentation, two of the seven active members are from Pinukpuk, two from Tanudan, and one each from Balbalan, Tinglayan, and Lubuagan.

“There are 7 remaining active rebels in Kalinga… konti na lang. Sana sumuko na sila para wala ng madugong encounter dito sa probinsiya,” said Derama.

During her talk, the army officer clarified that no civilians were harmed during the encounters, refuting online claims alleging that residents were injured during the gunfights.

“We would just like to clarify that during these encounters, during these operations, no civilians were harmed, which is very contradictory po sa mga kumakalat na fake news online. So the unit would just like to emphasize that no civilians were harmed during the conduct of the operation. However, unfortunately, meron po tayong isang kababayan from Kalinga who was killed — from the Butbut Tribe, Tinglayan — the NPA member killed during the second encounter,” Derama said.

Amid ongoing military operations to maintain peace and order in the province, the Philippine Army continues to encourage the remaining active members of the armed group to surrender, assuring them of support to begin a better life, while warning them of the violent consequences if they continue to refuse and evade authorities.

During the same meeting, 503rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Rhenante Salvador assured the remaining insurgents, as well as their families, that they will not be harmed if they turn themselves in to the authorities.