Two civilians were arrested under the Anti-Terrorism Law and several farmers and residents were allegedly harassed, coerced, or threatened by state security forces during sustained military operations in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental and Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental from March to May 2025, according to Southern Negros human rights group September 21 Movement.

On May 15, in Sitio Agpapaiao, Barangay Binobuhan, Guihulngan City, soldiers reportedly issued arrest warrants under the Anti-Terrorism Law to Bibiano Gemodo, 40, a farmer and furniture maker, and Helaria Bardok, 38, a daycare worker.

Both individuals were identified by S21 Movement as civilians with no known ties to armed groups.

On the same day, soldiers from the 62nd Infantry Battalion allegedly raided homes in Sitio Kapudlusan, Barangay Sandayao, threatening residents Alan Garde and Rocky Fat  accusing them of supporting the New People’s Army (NPA).

Rocky Fat was reportedly threatened at gunpoint, and family members intervened to stop soldiers from taking him.

Residents said the soldiers warned the community not to report the incident to barangay or police authorities, threatening them with legal charges if they did.

Military presence had already intensified earlier in the year, beginning March 1, when elements of Bravo Company, 62nd IB, and 94th IB reportedly deployed and established camp in Barangay Casingan, Guihulngan, launching operations in surrounding sitios and barangays.

In Sitio Punong, Barangay Trinidad, Marvic Seropil, 49, said that soldiers called him outside his house under the pretext of aiding a wounded person and then accused him of sheltering injured NPA members.

Seropil reported being threatened with charges and warned not to speak to barangay officials.

On May 8, Cirilo Resundra, also of Sitio Punong, was allegedly pressured by soldiers to admit ties to the NPA and threatened with a case if he refused.

On May 10, Amy Dayuno of Sitio Cadalanon, Barangay Trinidad, said her sons, 24-year-old Dany Boy and 16-year-old Jomong, were accused of involvement in a May 1 armed encounter in Barangay Humay-Humay, despite both being at home working on their farm.

She reported that soldiers forced them to confess under threat of charges and warned the family not to disclose the incident.

Around the second week of May, Alan Garde, one of the May 15 raid victims, said he was previously accused by soldiers of supporting the NPA and ordered to report to the 94th IB detachment in Barangay McKinley.

Garde said barangay officials refused to assist him, allegedly due to fear of military reprisal.

Meanwhile, in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, residents of Barangay Buenavista and its upland sitios—including Olitao, Bulasot, Cantupa, Asaran, and Pisok—reported intensified operations by the 94th IB throughout the past week.

According to local sources, soldiers accused civilians of harboring NPA members and conducted forced interrogations, house-to-house movements, and threats, contributing to widespread fear and disruption of farming livelihoods.

Farmers reported being unable to safely tend their fields due to persistent military patrols, while residents said they were being unjustly profiled as rebel supporters.

“The actions of the AFP are a desperate attempt to silence communities who are asserting their rights,” said the September 21 Movement in a statement written in Hiligaynon. “This has caused immense harm to civilians, especially farmers who can no longer safely tend to their livelihoods due to fear. Instead of responding to the people’s legitimate demands, the military answers with repression.”

“We call for an immediate end to these widespread military operations and demand respect for the human rights of all residents, especially the peasant communities,” the group added. “We also urge local government officials to heed the people’s complaints and take action against the unrelenting harassment committed by state forces.”