2 Americans among 19 killed in Negros clash — NTF ELCAC

Two Americans were among the 19 people killed in a recent clash in Negros, authorities confirmed.

In a statement on Saturday, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) identified the US nationals as Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem, who were among those killed in the incident.

According to the NTF-ELCAC, Prijoles had been affiliated with Anakbayan-USA since 2012 and arrived in the Philippines in March 2026 along with Sorem.

The task force raised concerns over the involvement of foreign nationals in local armed hostilities, while also expressing condolences to the victims’ families.

“These facts point to a disturbing convergence: foreign nationals in a live combat setting, where the risks are immediate and the consequences irreversible," the statement read.

"For Filipinos living overseas, particularly in the United States, this situation calls for heightened awareness and sound judgment,” it added.

GMA News Online could not independently verify the claims of the NTF-ELCAC.

It has sought comment from the Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Angelica Escalona and will update this story once a response is received.

The council expressed caution on the implications of the incident, citing the risks tied to involvement in certain activities or networks.

“The presence of two American fatalities in a single encounter should prompt careful reflection on how involvement in certain activities or networks may lead to unintended exposure to dangerous environments,” it added.

The remains of the two Americans have been turned over to their families.

Meanwhile, the NTF-ELCAC said all 19 fatalities have been identified and assured the public that efforts are ongoing to prevent similar incidents.—Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/MCG, GMA News