Jonathan Frederic De Santos

Vice President Sara Duterte holds a press conference with the media at the Office of the Vice President in Mandaluyong City on February 7, 2025. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

Marilyn Cahatol

Allison Co

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA<strong> (UPDATED) </strong>— Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday commended the Philippine Army’s “successful combat operation” in Negros Occidental that killed 19 individuals who the military said are New People&#x27;s Army fighters.</p><p>The casualties include a university student, activists and a community journalist, which has prompted calls for a probe into the deaths. </p><p>“On behalf of the Office of the Vice President, I extend my commendation to the brave men and women of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army under Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso for your recent successful combat operation,” Duterte said in a statement.</p><p>She said the “courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities are worthy of the highest respect.”</p><p>She said the OVP “under my leadership...[recognizes] the sacrifices you make in service to the nation.&quot;</p><p>The Philippine Army engaged with members of the New People’s Army on April 19. </p><p>Among those killed were community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma, University of the Philippines student Alyssa Alano, peasant organizer Maureen Keil Santuyo and community researcher Errol Wendel.</p><p>The NPA has acknowledged casualties but said in an April 23 statement that &quot;of those who fell, only a small squad was composed of revolutionary fighters led by Roger &#x27;Ka jhong&#x27; Fabillar.&quot; It said others killed were &quot;civilians documenting a peasant activity.&quot;</p><p>Alano, who was also an incumbent councilor in UP Diliman, was in Negros Occidental to learn about the living and working conditions of farming communities in the province, according to the university student council.</p><p>Alternative news network Altermidya, meanwhile, said Ledesma &quot;was in the area doing community work and immersion reporting on the effects of renewable energy projects...on vulnerable farmer communities.&quot;</p><p>Duterte called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant in guiding and monitoring their children’s activities, saying they have to be protected from “harmful influences and prevented from being drawn into violent extremist groups.”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/4/24/protesters-seek-truly-independent-probe-into-negros-occidental-clash-that-killed-19-1552">Protesters seek ‘truly independent’ probe into Negros Occidental clash that killed 19</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>ROTC CADETS, STUDENTS HOLD PROTEST</strong></div><p>Also on Saturday, UP ROTC cadets skipped their training on Saturday to join other UP students in a protest in front of the university’s Department of Military Science and Tactics.</p><p>They criticized the vice president for her remarks , saying she should instead attend House impeachment hearings involving her and allegations of corruption.</p><p>“Hindi na nga siya nagpapakita, nagco-congratulate pa siya ng AFP… mas lalo nase-strengthen itong pinaglalaban namin…‘Yung kurakot pinapalakpan ang military what does it say about the military?,” Jamze Montealto, a student and ROTC cadet, said.</p><p>(She hasn&#x27;t bothered to show up and now she is congratulating the AFP... that strengthens our call. Someone corrupt applauding the military... what does it say about the military?)</p><p>The students also called for an independent investigation into what they described as “crimes committed against International Humanitarian Law,” following the deaths of their fellow UP students and other civilians.</p><p>Montealto said cadets are taught in basic training to uphold the mandate to ehaust all peaceful means.</p><p>“Pero mismong AFP hindi ito sinusunod, hypocrisy po ito.”</p><p>(But it is the AFP itself that doesn&#x27;t follow this. That is hypocrisy)</p><p>The UP Diliman DMST said  Friday, April 24, that while it recognizes the impact of losing a UP student on the community, cadets are still expected to remain committed to their training.</p><p>“We expect every cadet to balance their personal convictions with their duties and responsibilities to the Corps. Let us maintain our professionalism, discipline, and mutual respect,” it said.</p><p>The group said the statement only reinforces their demand for justice.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>HOUSE PROBE URGED</strong></div><p>ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio is meanwhile urging the House Committee on Human Rights to launch an investigation into the operation for possible excessive force and violations of international humanitarian law and basic human rights.</p><p>“We cannot accept a blanket ‘encounter’ narrative that automatically justifies the deaths of 19 people,” Tinio said.</p><p>“Congress must investigate what happened in Toboso—who gave the orders, what the rules of engagement were, whether excessive force was used, and whether there were violations of international humanitarian law and basic human rights,” he added.</p><p>Tinio stressed that combatants as well as civilians are protected by international humanitarian law, and that the state has the duty to ensure that operations comply with the Constitution, domestic law, and the country’s obligations under the Geneva Conventions.</p><p>The Armed Forces of the Philippines have said the operation was carried out in accordance with rules of engagement, with full respect for human rights and international humanitarian law.</p><p>The Philippine Army has also said all those killed were armed and had engaged troops in firefights.</p><p>Tinio said the killing of a student leader and a journalist raises concerns about “the militarization of communities and the shrinking space for civic work, community immersion, and field reporting.&quot;</p><p>“These are not ‘collateral’ details. These are warning signs of a pattern,” he said.</p><p>Tinio underscored that &quot;justice will not be achieved just based on the military’s statements,&quot; and said the House panel should summon involved commanders and units and documents of the operation. </p><p>The committee should also coordinate with the Commission on Human Rights and other independent investigators, he said.</p><p>Human rights groups, fact-finding teams and the victims’ families should be given access to the information and evidence, he added.</p><p>Tinio also supported human rights groups&#x27; call for an independent probe, and said the witnesses and survivors should be protected from threats, intimidation and red-tagging.</p><p>“Justice for the Toboso 19 is an obligation, not an option. Congress must act,” he said.<strong> — With a report from Bianca Dava, ABS-CBN News</strong></p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8ORx40m-5O8?si=sYSMV87DFirSssd-" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br/></div>

<p>Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday commended the Philippine Army’s “successful combat operation” in Negros Occidental that killed 19 individuals who the military said are New People's Army fighters.</p>

Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday commended the Philippine Army’s “successful combat operation” in Negros Occidental that killed 19 individuals who the military said are New People's Army fighters.

Sara Duterte lauds Army on Negros Occidental clash amid calls for probe

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Sara Duterte lauds Army on Negros Occidental clash amid calls for probe

Marilyn Cahatol,

Allison Co,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 25, 2026 11:10 AM PHT

|

Updated April 25, 2026 01:16 PM PHT

Read More:

Sara Duterte

Philippine Army

Negros Occidental

New People's Army

clash

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.