The Armed Forces of the Philippines earlier reported that ‘no foreign nationals’ were involved in the April 19 encounter in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, but a Filipino-American has since been identified among those killed in Negros Occidental.
In a statement, BAYAN-USA said Lyle Prijoles, a 40-year-old Fil-Am human rights advocate from California, was among the 19 fatalities.
The group said Prijoles was in Negros for a community immersion activity aimed at documenting farmers’ situation.
BAYAN-USA alleged that the military operation involved “indiscriminate firing and strafing,” resulting in multiple deaths and the displacement of hundreds of residents in affected areas, including nearby Escalante City.
But Colonel Louie Dema-ala, chief public affairs officer of the Philippine Army, denied allegations of ‘strafing,’ maintaining that the incident was a legitimate armed encounter.
He said government troops followed all pertinent laws, including International Humanitarian Law.
Dema-ala also raised doubts over claims that some of those killed were legitimate researchers or journalists, saying they were allegedly found in the company of a long-hunted fugitive and rebel identified as Roger Fabillar, also known by the alias “Arnel Tapang.”
He added that the AFP is open to any investigation by interested groups, noting that documents are available which, according to the military, identify those killed as rebels who were allegedly armed and engaged government forces.
Meanwhile, an independent source, who requested anonymity, said there were reportedly three foreign nationals present during the incident.
One has already been identified as Prijoles, while another is reportedly still at a funeral home awaiting identification. The third individual’s whereabouts and identity remain unknown as of this writing.
The organization also named other reported fatalities, including RJ Ledesma, Alyssa Alano, Maureen Santuyo, and Errol Wendel, whose deaths have drawn attention in various protest actions.
BAYAN-USA is calling for an independent investigation into the incident, citing alleged human rights violations. It also urged authorities to allow families and legal representatives access to the remains of those killed.
The group further raised concerns over what it described as a pattern of violence in Negros, referencing past incidents involving farmers, including those linked to the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW).
