Probe sought into alleged encounter that killed 19 in Toboso

The Human Rights Advocates of Negros is seeking an investigation into the supposed encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental that left 19 alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) dead.

As of this writing, the group is preparing the papers it will submit to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to request for the investigation.

Among those killed in the April 19, 2026 incident was RJ Ledesma, 30, a writer and editor of Paghimutad-Negros and its regional coordinator for Negros Island.

Ledesma was from Bacolod City.

The Kadamay-Negros denied Ledesma was an NPA.

The group’s president, Berlita Ante, said Ledesma was looking into the condition of farmers and other workers in northern Negros Occidental who are reportedly victims of land grabbing and the energization projects of the government.

“Sa totoo lang, si RJ ay masipag at tumutulong sa urban poor. Sa panahon na gustong tabunan ang dagat sa Banago, si RJ ang aming tinatawag,” said Berlita Ante, president of Kadamay-Negros.

Noli Rosales, secretary general of KMU-Negros, also said:

“Ang isang journalist, lalagyan ng pouch o bandolier? Ang N79 ipinatong lang. Iyan pa lang dapat may immediate investigation. Parang collateral damage lang ang ating mga kabataan,” he said.

Why was Ledesma at the scene of the incident?

Avon Ang, national coordinator of AlterMidya Network, said this should not be the question.

“Ang nakuha naming impormasyon, hindi armado si RJ, so bakit siya pinatay ng AFP? Parang ang sinasabi, bakit nandoon si RJ? Ang tanong po natin, kung may namamatay na journalist, hindi dapat tinatanong kung bakit siya nandoon dahil trabaho niya iyon,” he said.

AFP statement

In a statement, the Philippine Army questioned why those who were killed were allegedly carrying firearms if they were just researchers, media, students, and social workers.

“Recent claims circulating on social media that those killed in the encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental were merely researchers, journalists, student leaders, and social workers - and that the Philippine Army violated human rights and International Humanitarian Law - deserve closer scrutiny rather than outright acceptance,” the statement read.

“While any loss of life is deeply concerning and warrants proper investigation, it is also important to address a fundamental question: Bakit sila nasa mismong encounter site, armado, at nakikipagbarilan sa mga sundalo?” it read further.

“This is not a trivial detail that can simply be ignored or dismissed. The presence of firearms and active participation in an armed confrontation raises serious doubts about the narrative being pushed online,” it read.

Nine of those who died in the reported encounter have been identified. Their families have claimed their remains. —GMA Regional TV