MANILA, Philippines — The government’s anti-insurgency task force has warned Filipinos overseas to remain vigilant against groups that may recruit or influence them to join armed conflict in the country, following the death of a Filipino-American in a recent clash in Negros Occidental.
In a statement, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) cited what it described as a concerning pattern of overseas Filipinos becoming involved in local insurgency activities. The advisory came after reports that Filipino-American Lyle Prijoles was among those killed in an encounter in Toboso town.
The task force said Prijoles had been linked to Anakbayan-USA and Bayan USA, organizations it alleged are connected to the broader communist movement. It also said Prijoles previously held leadership roles in Anakbayan-USA and had studied in California.
While extending condolences to his family, the NTF-ELCAC described his death as both a tragedy and a warning, citing similar cases of Filipino-Americans allegedly drawn into armed conflict in the Philippines.
“This is no longer just a matter of political differences. It is about safety and the protection of lives,” the task force said, warning that some advocacy platforms may expose individuals to dangerous situations.
Authorities said the encounter in Toboso was a combat operation launched following civilian reports and involved an alleged ranking member of the New People’s Army (NPA). The clash resulted in casualties, the recovery of firearms, and the arrest of fleeing suspects.
The task force also cautioned against portraying such deaths as acts of martyrdom, saying this could obscure the risks faced by those involved and their families. It urged Filipinos abroad to carefully assess organizations and activities that may encourage participation in armed hostilities.
The NTF-ELCAC also appealed for information on another Filipino-American, Cristina Pasion, who was reportedly injured in a separate encounter in Mindoro, and called on stakeholders to help secure her safe return.
“We must act collectively to prevent further loss of life,” the task force said, emphasizing the need for vigilance among Filipinos both at home and overseas.
The agency reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and preventing individuals from being drawn into violence under what it described as misleading or coercive circumstances.