ML Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima on Sunday called for an investigation into a clash between government troops and New People’s Army (NPA) fighters in Toboso, Negros Occidental that left 19 people dead.
Among those reported killed were University of the Philippines student Alyssa Alano and community journalist RJ Ledesma.
In a statement posted on her Facebook page, De Lima said the high number of casualties warranted an urgent probe into the military operation conducted by the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion.
“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.
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 reports of violence in Negros, noting previous killings involving farmers and activists, including the deaths of nine farmers in Sagay City in 2018.
While she expressed support for the military’s pursuit of peace and order, De Lima emphasized that unnecessary violence and violations of human rights and humanitarian laws should not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. defended the operation, describing it as a lawful security engagement conducted in accordance with established rules of engagement and existing laws.
Brawner said the AFP remains open to an investigation by the Commission on Human Rights and is willing to cooperate by presenting operational documents and video evidence showing armed NPA members prior to the encounter.
“The Armed Forces is doing legitimate operations. We were operating within the bounds of law,” Brawner
