Manila — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched an independent investigation into the April 19 armed clash in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental that left 19 people dead, including a University of the Philippines student leader and a community journalist. The probe comes amid conflicting accounts from the military and civil society groups over whether the fatalities were rebels or civilians.

In a statement released on Sunday, April 26, the CHR confirmed that its Negros Island Region office has begun fact-finding efforts following the deadly encounter. The agency said it is coordinating with civil society organizations, local authorities, and security forces, as well as assisting families in retrieving the remains of those killed in Toboso and nearby Escalante.

Among the casualties were Alyssa Alano, a student leader from UP Diliman, and RJ Nichole Ledesma, a community journalist affiliated with Altermidya Network. Human rights groups insist that both were civilians engaged in community work, while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintains that all those killed were members of the New People’s Army.

CHR stressed that under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), individuals must be presumed civilians in cases of doubt. “Allegation of unlawful killing or violation of IHL and human rights law require prompt, effective, impartial, and independent investigation, and accountability where violation is established,” the commission said.

The incident has also triggered a humanitarian crisis, with reports indicating that more than 100 families were displaced from their homes due to the violence. Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco said at least 653 residents from 168 households sought refuge in evacuation centers after the 12-hour gun battle.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) identified two Americans among the fatalities, raising concerns about possible foreign involvement. Human rights and press freedom groups have meanwhile called the incident a massacre and demanded accountability.

CHR urged authorities to provide adequate humanitarian assistance, prevent further displacement, and guarantee access to essential services. It also called on all parties to cooperate fully with the investigation, safeguard evidence, and adhere strictly to human rights and IHL standards. “This incident underscores the continuing human cost of armed conflict, particularly in marginalized communities such as those in Negros,” the commission said.

The probe is expected to determine the identities of the victims, the circumstances of the clash, and whether the use of force complied with human rights and humanitarian law. The findings will be crucial in addressing allegations of unlawful killings and ensuring accountability in one of the deadliest incidents in Negros in recent years.