Two American nationals were among the 19 individuals killed in an armed encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19, 2026, according to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
In a statement, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Usec. Ernesto C. Torres Jr. said that the fatalities included Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem, bringing the total number of U.S. citizens in the incident to two. The confirmation was based on reports from the Negros police.
Authorities said the two Americans were believed to have arrived separately in the Philippines in late March 2026 and later traveled to Negros Occidental, where the clash occurred.
The 19 individuals killed were identified as members of the New People’s Army (NPA), whose remains have been turned over to their respective families.
According to publicly available records cited by NTF-ELCAC, Prijoles had been affiliated with Anakbayan-USA since 2012 and had reportedly served in various roles before his presence in the Philippines.
The task force expressed concern over what it described as the involvement of foreign nationals in local armed conflict, calling it a “disturbing” development that exposes individuals to significant risk.
“Our thoughts are with their families, who now face the burden of loss under circumstances that unfolded far from their homes,” the statement read.
NTF-ELCAC also urged Filipinos living abroad, particularly in the United States, to remain vigilant and exercise caution in engagements that may lead to dangerous situations.
The government, it added, remains committed to maintaining peace and order, enforcing the law, and preventing similar incidents in the future.
Also among those killed were a student leader from the University of the Philippines Visayas and a local journalist.
The UP community called for justice for the slain student leader.
“In the interest of truth, accountability, and justice, we urgently call for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths,” UP Visayas said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Army said it is open to any investigation into the encounter, maintaining that the operation was legitimate and carried out in response to calls for assistance from residents in Negros Occidental.
