Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday commended the Philippine Army following a clash in Negros Occidental that left 19 people dead, whom the military identified as members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
The incident, however, has drawn calls for an independent investigation after reports that some of those killed were civilians, including a university student, activists, and a community journalist.
In a statement, Duterte praised the 79th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Eric Alfonso for what she described as a “successful combat operation.”
“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 for your recent successful combat operation,” she said.
She added that their “courage, discipline, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities are worthy of the highest respect,” noting that the Office of the Vice President recognizes the sacrifices of soldiers in service to the nation.
The encounter between government troops and alleged NPA fighters took place on April 19.
Among those reported killed were community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma, University of the Philippines student and councilor Alyssa Alano, peasant organizer Maureen Keil Santuyo, and community researcher Errol Wendel.
In a statement released April 23, the NPA acknowledged casualties but claimed that only a small group of those killed were armed fighters. It said the rest were civilians who had been documenting a peasant activity.
The University of the Philippines student council said Alano had been in Negros Occidental to study the living and working conditions of farmers. Meanwhile, alternative media group Altermidya said Ledesma was conducting community work and reporting on the impact of renewable energy projects on local farming communities.
Duterte also urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, saying young people must be guided and protected from harmful influences and from being drawn into violent extremist groups.
