The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses grave concern over the reported armed encounter on 19 April 2026 in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental, which resulted in the death of at least nineteen (19) individuals, including student leader Alyssa Alano and community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma.

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 Commission notes the inconsistencies in the identities of those dead. While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintains that the casualties were members of an armed group, other organizations assert that some victims, including Alano and Ledesma, were civilians engaged in community work. Either of the claims require thorough, independent verification. 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.

We note that core obligations under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), even in the context of non-international armed conflict, remain: Parties must distinguish between combatants/fighters and civilians/civilians objects. Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited, and civilians are protected unless they directly participate in hostilities.

Allegation of unlawful killing or violation of IHL and human rights law require prompt, effective, impartial, and independent investigation, and accountability where violation is established.

Further, the CHR is concerned about reports that, due to the incident, over a hundred families were displaced. 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.

The Commission calls on all parties to cooperate fully with the CHR investigation, preserve evidence, ensure unimpeded access to information and sites, and comply strictly with IHL and human rights standards.

This incident underscores the continuing human cost of armed conflict, particularly in marginalized communities such as those in Negros. Addressing the root causes of conflict, which include poverty, inequality, and land issues, remain essential to sustainable peace, grounded in strict adherence to human rights and IHL.

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