By Priam Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has reminded Filipinos abroad and foreign nationals to remain vigilant against individuals and networks that may be recruiting them into fighting the Philippine government.
The anti-insurgency body issued the reminder after it was confirmed that two American nationals were among those killed in the clash between the military and New People’s Army (NPA) remnants in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19.
NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement Saturday night, “This brings to two the number of U.S. citizens—Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem—who died in the same [clash], a development that highlights the increasing involvement of individuals from outside the Philippines in local armed hostilities.”
Pieces of information drawn from publicly available records show that Prijoles had been affiliated with Anakbayan-USA since 2012, during which he reportedly served in various capacities prior to his presence in the Philippines.
Anakbayan-USA is an organization linked to the communist movement, alongside Bayan-USA, the NTF-ELCAC said. Projiles’ profile also indicates that he studied at San Francisco State University in California.
The two Americans reportedly arrived in the country independently toward the end of March and subsequently traveled to Negros Occidental, where they were killed.
Torres said, “Our thoughts are with their families, who now face the burden of loss under circumstances that unfolded far from their homes.”
Disturbing
“These facts point to a disturbing convergence: Foreign nationals in a live combat setting, where the risks are immediate and the consequences irreversible. For Filipinos living overseas, particularly in the United States, this situation calls for heightened awareness and sound judgment,” the NTF-ELCAC official said.
Torres said the presence of two American fatalities in a single encounter should prompt careful reflection on how involvement in certain activities or networks may lead to unintended exposure to dangerous environments.
“We encourage Filipino communities abroad to exercise caution in engagements that may extend beyond lawful advocacy and into areas that carry significant personal risk. Awareness and discernment are essential in ensuring that no member of the community is placed in harm’s way,” he added.
With 19 NPA combatants identified and returned to their families, Torres said focus must now turn to preventing similar incidents from happening again.
He said the government remains committed to its responsibility to maintain peace and order, enforce the law, and safeguard lives wherever possible.
“When distance no longer shields our people from danger, awareness becomes our first line of protection,” the NTF-ELCAC executive stressed.
Legitimate encounter
Philippine Army (PA) Spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala earlier denied allegations on social media that those killed during the April 19 encounter were not NPA insurgents but civilians.
“Recent claims circulating on social media that those killed in the encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental were merely researchers, journalists, student leaders, and social workers — and that the PA violated human rights and International Humanitarian Law — deserve closer scrutiny rather than outright acceptance,” he said.
He said any loss of life is deeply concerning and warrants proper investigation. He, however, said it is important that this fundamental question be answered: “Why are these people armed and in the encounter site, and firing back at our troops?”
“This is not a trivial detail that can simply be ignored or dismissed. The presence of firearms and active participation in an armed confrontation raises serious doubts about the narrative being pushed online,” he added.
Dema-ala said the PA troops showed steadfast commitment to their mission and dedication to duty, “Their adherence to International Humanitarian Law and utmost respect for human rights stand as a testament to the professionalism and honor that define the PA soldier,” he added.
Dema-ala also said the public should not oversimplify complex security incidents or prematurely assign blame without verified facts.
He added that human rights violations are serious and should be examined through proper legal and institutional processes, not trial by social media. (PNA)
