The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) expressed condolences to the families of those who died in the encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental.
In a statement, the CPP also recognized 10 Red fighters of the New People’s Army who, according to the group, fought until their last breath. The group said these individuals served Filipinos, particularly the oppressed, marginalized sectors, and farmers in Negros.
At the same time, the CPP maintained that nine civilians were among those killed in the clash.
The group identified them as:
- Roel Sabillo, 19, resident of Barangay Tabunac, Toboso
- R.J. Nichole Ledesma, 30, community journalist from Bacolod City
- Alyssa Alano, councilor, UP Diliman Student Council
- Maureen Keil Santuyo, 24, member of the National Network of Agrarian Reform Advocates (NNARA-Youth)
- Errol Wendel, 24, member of the Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura
- Jemina Gumadlas, 15, resident of Sitio Plarending, Barangay Salamanca, Toboso
- Lyle Prijoles, 40, from the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines, from San Francisco, California
- Kai Sorem, 26, from Seattle, Washington
- Dexter Patajo, 17, from Sitio Buklog, Barangay Lalong, Calatrava, Negros Occidental
Based on its initial information, the CPP claimed that the victims were unarmed when they were killed.
The group alleged that members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines were responsible for what it described as “indiscriminate killing,” and said those involved should be held accountable under international humanitarian law.
In closing, the CPP paid tribute to all those who died in what it referred to as the “Toboso massacre,” including both the Red fighters and civilians who, it said, dedicated their strength, knowledge, and efforts in service of the people.
