The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed grave concern over the reported armed encounters on April 19, 2026, in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental, which left at least 19 individuals dead, including a student leader and a community journalist.
In a statement on Sunday, April 26, CHR said its Negros Island Region office has launched an independent investigation, following information from local human rights advocates.
The agency is coordinating with civil society organizations, local authorities, and security forces, while assisting families in retrieving the remains in Toboso and Escalante.
The Commission flagged inconsistencies in the reported identities of those killed. While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintains that those killed were members of an armed group, other organizations claim that some of the victims were civilians engaged in community work.
“Either of the claims requires 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,” the CHR said.
The agency also noted its obligations under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), stressing, “parties must distinguish between combatants/fighters and civilians/civilians objects. Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited, and civilians are protected unless they directly participate in hostilities.”
It added that “allegation of unlawful killing or violation of IHL and human rights law requires prompt, effective, impartial, and independent investigation, and accountability where violation is established.”
The CHR further raised concerns over reports that more than 100 families were displaced by the incident, calling on authorities to ensure adequate humanitarian assistance, protection from further displacement, and access to basic services.
“Addressing the root causes of conflict, which include poverty, inequality, and land issues, remains essential to sustainable peace,” the Commission said, urging all parties to cooperate fully with the investigation and comply with human rights and humanitarian standards.
Meanwhile, Leila de Lima, ML Partylist representative, called for a probe into the military operation conducted by the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, citing the high number of casualties.
“Beyond the question of whether the military operation was legitimate, there are serious allegations of violations that led to the deaths of 19 individuals, and we must investigate what truly transpired to find clarity and the truth,” De Lima said in a statement posted on her Facebook page.
She added that a resolution would be filed in the House of Representatives seeking an immediate inquiry into the incident.
De Lima also expressed concern over recurring violence in Negros, citing past cases involving farmers and activists, including the killing of nine farmers in the Sagay massacre in 2018.
Also weighing in, the Buklod Kapayapaan Federation, Incorporated (BKFI), a federation of former rebels led by its president Noel Legaspi, announced it will hold a peace rally and media forum on Monday, April 27, to present the results of its own fact-finding mission in Toboso.*
Reymund Titong is a Filipino journalist steadily building his voice in the field of news reporting, driven by a commitment to tell meaningful and relevant stories.
He serves as a correspondent for Rappler, contributes to Negros Daily Bulletin, and maintains a blog on Medium.