Bayan USA said one of the 19 killed in Toboso, Negros Occidental, on April 19 was a 40- year-old human rights advocate from California.
Killed was Filipino-American Lyle Prijoles, Bayan USA said.
“Bayan USA and Filipinos across the United States extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of Lyle, and join them in righteous fury at his unjust murder,” Bayan Muna USA said.
“Having studied Journalism and Asian-American Studies, Lyle strove to take his education beyond the classroom, and use it to listen to and uplift the stories of marginalized communities who had the courage to stand for their rights,” it added.
After graduating, his advocacy work eventually brought him back home to the Philippines on several occasions to learn directly from communities facing poverty, hunger, natural disasters, and oppression, Bayan Muna USA said.
This spring, Lyle chose to visit the Philippines once more to live with communities in Negros and learn first-hand their daily hardships and experiences under state repression, it said.
Bayan Muna USA said it demands an immediate and independent investigation into the Armed Forces of the Philippines April 19 military operation.
The Army said the 19 were killed in an encounter between 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers and the New People’s Army Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, on April 19.
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