The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is conducting a probe into the fatal armed encounter between soldiers and alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Toboso, Negros Occidental, it announced on Sunday.

“The CHR, through its office in the Negros Island Region, has initiated an independent investigation. Information from local human rights advocates prompted coordination with civil society organizations, local authorities, and security forces, including working with the families for the retrieval of the remains in Toboso and Escalante,” the commission said in a statement.

The CHR expressed grave concern over the bloody encounter that occurred on April 19 in Barangay Salamanca, which led to the deaths of at least 19 individuals, including local journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma and University of the Philippines (UP) student leader Alyssa Alano.

While the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) claimed that those slain in the encounter were from an armed group affiliated with the NPA, other organizations argue that a number of the victims, like Alano and Ledesma, were merely civilians in the area for community work, noted the CHR.

“Either of the claims require thorough, independent verification. Determination of status, circumstances of engagement, and proportionality must be based on verifiable facts and due process. In case of doubt, persons shall be presumed civilians,” the CHR said.

The commission emphasized that, under the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), parties must distinguish between combatants and civilians.

“Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited, and civilians are protected unless they directly participate in hostilities,” it said.

Moreover, the CHR said it was also concerned about the hundreds of families reportedly displaced due to the incident, urging the government to provide them assistance, protection from future displacement, and basic services.

In an interview with DZRH, Philippine Army Spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala maintained that Alano was carrying a firearm and engaged in the gunfight with authorities. He asserted that the local government had issued no clearance for her research—a mandatory requirement—and that claims that those slain in conflict were everyday citizens was time-worn propaganda.