CHR launches probe into Negros 'clash' that left 19 dead

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched an independent investigation into the recent purported clash in Toboso, Negros Occidental, where 19 people were killed, including a local journalist, a student leader, and two Filipino-Americans.

“The CHR, through its office in the Negros Island Region, has initiated an independent investigation. Information from local human rights advocates prompted coordination with civil society organizations, local authorities, and security forces, including working with the families for the retrieval of the remains in Toboso and Escalante,” the CHR said in a statement Sunday.

The fatalities were reported during an alleged encounter with government troops in Barangay Salamanca on April 19.

The CHR also raised concern over reports that the incident displaced more than 100 families.

“The Commission calls on authorities to ensure adequate humanitarian assistance, protection from further displacement, and access to basic services, in line with human rights and humanitarian standards,” it said.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant, discerning, and committed to the pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability,” it added.

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

On Tuesday, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) condemned the attack and confirmed that Prijoles served as the group’s US chapter leader.

“[Lyle] had decided to integrate with the farmer community to deepen his understanding and demonstrate that these people are not forgotten, to show real solidarity for their campaign for genuine land reform… Lyle is much respected and loved for his selfless commitment. His life has now been taken by the ruthless Philippine military,” the statement read.

ICHRP said it prioritizes safety in all community visits, stressing that Prijoles’ death was a serious concern.

The group called for the immediate withdrawal of the 79th Infantry Battalion, an independent investigation into the incident, and urged foreign governments to suspend all military aid to the Philippines.

“ICHRP will not be intimidated by this massacre, and it will review all procedures to ensure that its people will not be exposed to threats like those in Toboso,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) called for an independent and impartial investigation into the deaths.

“The en masse killings in Toboso are a wake-up call. They underscore how the ongoing armed conflict has eroded our sense of humanity,” the group said.

PEPP stressed that under international humanitarian law, parties to an armed conflict must avoid engaging in hostilities in the presence of civilians to prevent unnecessary deaths and injuries.

“Peace negotiations must continue, but justice must also be rendered to victims of human rights and international humanitarian law violations,” it added.

The Philippine Army, for its part, questioned claims that some of those killed were civilians, noting that the fatalities were allegedly carrying firearms.

However, the New People’s Army’s Apolinario Gatmaitan Command disputed the military’s account, saying only a few of those killed were armed fighters and that some were civilians.

“The rest were civilians documenting a peasant activity, standing alongside farmers who are consistently pushed to the margins by land grabbing and systemic neglect,” it said.

“Among the casualties were local and foreign journalists and human rights advocates who carried only notebooks, cameras, and the grievances of the poor,” it added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Sunday the remains of the 19 people killed in last week’s clash have been turned over to their families, as the CHR began its own investigation into the incident.

In a report by Raffy Tima on "24 Oras Weekend," the military said the fatalities were killed in an encounter between government troops and alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Salamanca on April 19.

The Philippine Army said one soldier was wounded in the clash, while 19 were killed on the side of the alleged rebels.

Among those killed was an alleged rebel leader known as “Alias Jong,” who reportedly had a P1-million bounty.

The Army said the identities of the two Filipino-Americans who were among the fatalities had been confirmed by relatives.

The AFP said an investigation is underway to determine why foreign nationals were involved in the encounter.

Military officials maintained they have evidence showing those killed were armed and had engaged government troops in a firefight.

Human rights group Karapatan, however, disputed the military’s account, saying the two Filipino-Americans were not combatants.

Karapatan also identified community journalist RJ Ledesma and University of the Philippines student Alyssa Alano among those killed, and called for an independent investigation.

The AFP said it is open to such a probe.—MCG, GMA News