Opposition figure Antonio Tinio has strongly criticised Defence Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr.following his statement that all fatalities in Toboso were members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

In a report published by ABS-CBN News on May 24, 2026, Tinio described the statement as “impunity dressed up as national security,” suggesting that it reflects a troubling framing of violent incidents under the government’s security narrative.

Tinio’s remarks highlight ongoing political tensions surrounding how authorities classify casualties in armed encounters, particularly in areas where the NPA is active.

He challenged the certainty of the defence chief’s claim, implying that such statements may oversimplify or prematurely conclude the identities of those killed in operations or clashes.The issue centres on reported fatalities in Toboso, a locality that has seen past encounters involving state forces and alleged insurgents.

While Teodoro asserted that the victims were all linked to the NPA, Tinio pushed back against this narrative, warning that it could contribute to a culture of impunity and lack of accountability in security operations.The exchange reflects broader debates in Philippine politics about counterinsurgency, human rights, and transparency in military reporting.

Critics like Tinio argue that definitive labels applied to casualties without full verification may influence public perception and weaken trust in official accounts.Meanwhile, the defence establishment maintains its position on security assessments in conflict areas.

The ABS-CBN News report situates this latest exchange within the continuing discourse on national security policy and the handling of insurgency-related incidents in the country.