The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has initiated an independent investigation into the armed encounter that occurred on April 19, 2026, in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental, resulting in at least 19 fatalities, including a student leader and a community journalist.
CHR Coordinates with Civil Society and Authorities
In a statement released on Sunday, April 26, the CHR announced that its Negros Island Region office is working closely with civil society organizations, local government units, security forces, and the families of the victims to facilitate the retrieval of remains in Toboso and Escalante City.
Conflicting Claims Over Victims' Identities
The CHR noted that conflicting reports have emerged regarding the identities of those killed. The Armed Forces of the Philippines claimed that the fatalities were members of an armed group, while other organizations asserted that some victims, including Alyssa Alano and RJ Nichole Ledesma, were civilians engaged in community work.
“Either of the claims require thorough, independent verification. Determination of status, circumstances of engagement and proportionality must be based on verifiable facts and due process. In case of doubt, persons shall be presumed civilians,” the CHR stated.
The commission emphasized that the status of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the clash must be established through an impartial inquiry.
Foreign Nationals Among the Dead
Meanwhile, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) reported that two U.S. citizens were among those killed, identifying them as Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem. The task force said their deaths highlight what it described as increasing foreign involvement in local armed hostilities.
“These facts point to a disturbing convergence: foreign nationals in a live combat setting, where the risks are immediate and the consequences irreversible,” the NTF-Elcac said.
According to reports, the two Americans arrived in the country independently in late March and later traveled to Negros Occidental. The task force added that Prijoles had been affiliated with Anakbayan-USA since 2012.
Civilian Protection Under International Humanitarian Law
The CHR stressed that International Humanitarian Law requires parties to distinguish between combatants and civilians, warning that indiscriminate attacks are prohibited and civilians are protected unless they directly participate in hostilities.
The commission also stated that any allegations of unlawful killings or violations of humanitarian and human rights law must be met with a prompt, effective, and impartial investigation, with accountability if violations are proven.
Displacement and Humanitarian Concerns
The CHR expressed concern over reports that more than 100 families have been displaced due to the incident. It urged authorities to provide humanitarian aid, prevent further displacement, and ensure access to basic services for affected communities.
The commission called on all parties to cooperate with the investigation, preserve evidence, and allow access to the affected sites.
NTF-Elcac Urges Caution for Filipinos Abroad
NTF-Elcac Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. urged Filipinos living abroad to exercise caution in engagements that may go beyond lawful advocacy. “We encourage Filipino communities abroad to exercise caution in engagements that may extend beyond lawful advocacy and into areas that carry significant personal risk,” Torres said.
Root Causes of Armed Conflict
The CHR noted that the incident underscores the human cost of armed conflict, particularly in marginalized communities. It emphasized that root causes such as poverty, inequality, and land issues must be addressed to achieve lasting peace.
