“Also among those killed in the same encounter- as identified in the PNP investigation and validated by their claimant-relatives--were two minors, Jolinda Jimena (16) and Dexter Patoja (17). Their presence in a combat environment highlights the grave risks faced by young individuals who become involved in armed conflict,“ NTF-ELCAC said in a statement on Monday, April 27.
The NTF-ELCAC described as “disturbing” what it called a “pattern“ of recruitment by the New People's Army (NPA) involving minors and foreign nationals, which it said could indicate dwindling local support for the group.
Following the incident, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched an investigation into the incident, which progressive groups have labeled a “massacre” rather than an armed encounter.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is ready to cooperate with the CHR probe.
AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. also challenged investigators to examine the activities of the NPA in the area.
Brawner maintained that the operation was intelligence-driven and legitimate, citing the recovery of 24 firearms from the alleged encounter site as evidence.
Among those reported killed were a student from University of the Philippines, Alyssa Alano, and community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma, who was also a nominee of Kabataan Party-list in the 2022 elections.
Also among the fatalities were two American citizens identified by the NTF-ELCAC as Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem.
In a statement, the task force said publicly available records indicate that Prijoles had been affiliated with Anakbayan-USA since 2012 and had served in various capacities before his arrival in the Philippines.
According to the NTF-ELCAC, the two Americans arrived in Negros Occidental about a month before the incident.
The task force reiterated its concern over the involvement of foreign nationals and minors, saying this may reflect intensified recruitment efforts by the NPA amid what it described as declining support from local communities.
The Philippine Army, however, maintained that the incident was a legitimate encounter , maintaining that the operation was legitimate and carried out in response to calls for assistance from residents in Negros Occidental.
