Jazmin Bonifacio Posted on May 4, 2026 at 9:33 pm
TACLOBAN CITY — The United States Embassy in Manila has once again reminded American citizens in the Philippines to stay vigilant due to security concerns in various regions, including Eastern Visayas.
In a statement released on May 1, the embassy pointed out that rural and mountainous areas in Leyte, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar are areas where tensions have risen because of clashes with the New People’s Army (NPA).
Despite the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division reporting a decrease in insurgent strength in Eastern Visayas, the embassy advisory remains in place. Army Captain Christopher Tataro, Division Public Affairs Chief in Eastern Visayas, mentioned that sustained operations and community cooperation have weakened rebel presence in the region.
Communities that previously sheltered insurgents are now supporting government efforts, disrupting rebel activities, and dismantling former guerrilla strongholds.
However, authorities are closely monitoring the tri-boundary area of Northern Samar, Western Samar, and Eastern Samar, which is still a concern for organized insurgent activity in Eastern Visayas.
The embassy advised American nationals to avoid conflict-prone areas, leave immediately if they encounter armed groups, and ensure any volunteer or humanitarian work is done through legitimate organizations.
This warning comes after a recent deadly clash on April 19 in Toboso, where two Americans were killed in an armed encounter with suspected NPA members. Philippine authorities reported 19 insurgent casualties, but details of the incident are disputed.
Both the United States and the Philippine governments designate the NPA as a terrorist group and warn that such organizations may try to recruit foreign nationals.
The embassy clarified that the advisory is standard safety guidance but stressed the importance of ongoing vigilance, especially in regions like Eastern Visayas, where security operations continue alongside development and peace-building efforts.
Photo Courtesy: 8ID Public Affairs
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