Human rights activists, church groups, and local communities marked four months since a military operation left 19 dead in Toboso, Negros Occidental, by holding a lightning protest in front of the Bacolod City Government Center replica at the public plaza on Wednesday, Aug. 19, to demand justice and an end to militarization.
Led by DefendNegros and human rights alliance Manindigan Negros, the demonstrators called for accountability for the April 19 incident involving the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Toboso that left 19 dead, including Alyssa Alano, RJ Ledesma, Errol Wendel, Maureen Keil Santuyo, Kai Sorrem, Lyle Prijoles, Dexter Patajo, and Jolinda Gemina whom they identified as civilians.
The military maintains that all 19 casualties were members of the New People’s Army (NPA) killed during a legitimate encounter with 79th IB troops.
The protesters called for the immediate pullout of military forces from local communities, an end to counterinsurgency operations in civilian areas, and the protection of residents’ basic rights and safety.
“The government poured its counterinsurgency program heavily into Negros to weaken our people’s fight for basic demands. But we will continue to hold fast for life and justice,” said Danilo Tabura, spokesperson for Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) Negros.
Human rights organizations labeled the incident a “massacre” and accused the 79th IB of violating International Humanitarian Law (IHL). In a joint statement, Ariel Casilao of the Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura (UMA) and Maria Sol Taule, Deputy Secretary General of Karapatan, claimed that civilians were indiscriminately targeted in clear violation of IHL principles of distinction and proportionality.
Groups stressed that four months later, the ongoing military presence continues to heighten fear among residents grieving their loss. They asserted that genuine justice requires full accountability for the killings alongside a complete end to the militarization of civilian zones.
Speaking on behalf of the victims’ families, Claro Alano—father of slain civilian Alyssa Alano—urged the public to sustain the campaign for the “Toboso 19” until those responsible are held liable.
Rights advocates continue to push for an independent investigation into the incident and the withdrawal of troops across Negros Island.*
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