Tactical Operations Group 6

A SALUTE TO OUR FALLEN AIRMEN

The Philippine Air Force mourns the untimely passing of First Lieutenant Ruth Angelique R Pasos PAF and Second Lieutenant Cherky E Embudo PAF, who lost their lives following the SF-260 trainer aircraft mishap in Tuba, Benguet, during a training flight under the Military Pilot Training on May 20, 2026. Their courage, dedication, and commitment to duty will always be remembered by the Philippine Air Force and the nation they faithfully served.

The Philippine Air Force extends its deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, loved ones, friends, and fellow airmen of our fallen pilots. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their memory will continue to inspire generations of Filipino airmen.

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𝐍𝐏𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬; 𝟓 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡

Five (5) Communist New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists (C**s) died following a series of armed encounters that transpired between the “Molave Warriors” of the 15th Infantry Battalion, under 302nd Infantry “Achiever” Brigade, and the remnants of the South-West Front, Komiteng-Rehiyon Negros (SWF, KR-N), in the hinterlands of Brgy. Abaca and Brgy. Poblacion, Cauayan, Negros Occidental on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

As the troops overran the encounter site, they recovered several high-powered fi****ms, including M60 machine gun, M16 rifles, M14 rifle, M203 gr***de launcher, hand gr***de, and other war materiel.

Residents in Cauayan have increasingly cooperated with authorities by providing information on the presence and movement of armed communist remnants hiding in remote areas.

“The continued collapse of communist terrorist formations in Negros reflects the growing rejection of violent armed struggle by communities once exploited through intimidation, extortion, deception, and fear.” Brigadier General Jumawan, Commander, 302nd Brigade said. Moreover, he said that this encounter further exposes the deteriorating condition of the dismantled SWF whose remaining members continue to suffer heavy losses, dwindling manpower, and declining support from local residents.

Meanwhile, the Brigade Commander emphasized that military operations remain focused on protecting civilians and preventing the remnants of the communist terrorist movement from re-establishing influence in vulnerable communities. On the other hand, he reiterated the government’s call for remaining rebels to surrender peacefully and avail themselves of reintegration programs before more lives are lost in a collapsing insurgency already rejected by the people. “It’s unfortunate that many lives were lost, but the troops had to defend the community who are victims of the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG’s) senseless killings by “spy-tagging” innocent civilians.”