The Philippine Army said it is open to an investigation by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) into the deaths of 19 individuals in an encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19, amid conflicting claims over whether those killed were armed rebels or civilians.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala maintained that those killed were members of the New People’s Army (NPA), rejecting claims from some groups that civilians were among the fatalities. He said the military welcomes scrutiny and is confident the evidence will support its account.
“Yes, we are open to investigation and the evidence will speak for us,” Dema-ala said, referring to the CHR’s earlier announcement that it would conduct an independent probe through its regional office in Negros Island.
The CHR said initial reports showed inconsistencies in the identities of those killed. While the Armed Forces of the Philippines maintains all 19 were NPA fighters, some organizations have alleged that several were civilians engaged in community work, including a student leader and a community journalist.
The commission emphasized that all claims must undergo thorough and impartial verification and that, in cases of doubt, individuals should be presumed civilians until proven otherwise.
“Determination of status, circumstances of engagement, and proportionality must be based on verifiable facts and due process. In case of doubt, persons shall be presumed civilians,” the CHR said.
Dema-ala reiterated that the encounter was a legitimate armed clash involving members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–NPA. He said the operation followed rules of engagement and included precautions to protect civilians.
He also called for an investigation into reported killings of civilians allegedly carried out by the group of Roger Fabillar, whom the military identified as a leader of an NPA unit in Northern Negros and among those killed in the encounter.
“At the same time, we call for a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation into the reported deaths of civilians in Negros Occidental… to ensure that all facts are established and accountability is upheld,” Dema-ala said.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said two of those killed were foreign nationals. Executive Director Ernesto Torres Jr. said they were reportedly linked to overseas activist circles and had entered the Philippines independently before traveling to Negros.
Torres said the development points to what he described as the involvement of foreign nationals in local armed conflicts, calling it a concerning trend.
He also extended condolences to the families of those killed.
“Our thoughts are with their families, who now face the burden of loss under circumstances that unfolded far from their homes,” Torres said.
The NTF-ELCAC also urged Filipinos abroad, particularly in the United States, to exercise caution, warning that some activities may expose individuals to security risks.
“When distance no longer shields our people from danger, awareness becomes our first line of protection,” Torres said.