LIST: Journalists, students reportedly killed, arrested in AFP operations

Several journalists and student leaders have been reported killed, arrested, or caught in crossfire in operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). 

These cases involved conflicting accounts between government forces, rebels, and advocates over the circumstances surrounding each incident.

RJ Ledesma

One of the most recent cases is the killing of RJ Ledesma, a writer and editor affiliated with Paghimutad–Negros and the Altermidya Network.

Ledesma was killed in April 2026 during what the military described as a series of encounters with alleged NPA members in Toboso, Negros Occidental. The AFP said the operation targeted armed rebels in the area.

But Altermidya said Ledesma was in the community for reporting and immersion work focused on the impact of renewable energy projects on farmer communities.

Alyssa Alano

Also reported killed in the same series of encounters was Alyssa Alano, a student leader from the University of the Philippines Diliman University Student Council.

The student council said Alano had been living and engaging with farming communities in Negros to document their situation amid land disputes and militarization concerns.

The Philippine Army questioned claims that civilians were present during the encounter site, maintaining that troops were engaged in combat with armed rebels.

“Troops of the 79IB showed steadfast commitment to their mission and dedication to duty. Their adherence to International Humanitarian Law and utmost respect for human rights stand as a testament to the professionalism and honor that define the Philippine Army soldier,” Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala said.

“The [Armed Forces of the Philippines] did not hunt people — it responded to the community's own call for protection,” he added.

 

 

Karol Mabazza and Willie Vicoy

The risks faced by journalists covering or operating near military operations are not new.

In 1986, journalists Karol Mabazza and Willie Vicoy were killed in an ambush while embedded with government troops during operations against communist insurgents, according to a report by the New York Times. 

Their deaths are among the earliest documented cases of media workers killed while accompanying soldiers in the field.

In the past years, some organizations have raised concerns over “red-tagging” or the labeling of journalists and student activists as communist rebels’ sympathizers.

Such accusations may expose individuals to surveillance, harassment, or violence.

Frenchie Mae Cumpio 

Journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio was arrested in 2020 during a joint police and military operation linked to counterinsurgency campaigns.

Authorities said firearms and explosives were recovered during the raid. 

However, press freedom advocates and supporters have maintained that the evidence was planted and have described Cumpio as a political detainee. Authorities denied such claims.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has repeatedly called for her release, raising concerns over press freedom implications.

In January 2026, Cumpio was found guilty of terror financing and sentenced to up to 18 years of imprisonment.

The court ruled that the evidence established Cumpio provided and delivered P100,000 cash as well as ammunition to armed communist rebels in Catbalogan City in March 2019.

 

 

Lady Ann Salem

In the same year, journalist Lady Ann Salem was arrested during the series of “Bloody Sunday” raids in Calabarzon.

Authorities alleged her involvement with insurgent-linked organizations, but media and human rights groups described the arrests as part of a broader crackdown on activists and journalists. 

The charges against Salem were later dismissed.

Lumad schools

In 2022, UP graduates and volunteer teachers Chad Booc and Kevin Castor were killed during a military operation in New Bataan, Davao de Oro.

The AFP said the encounter involved NPA rebels but human rights groups said they were engaged in educational work with Lumad communities.

Closure and evacuation were also imposed in some Lumad schools, including ALCADEV and Salugpongan-affiliated institutions, which the military has previously linked to insurgent activities. —VAL, GMA News