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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gov't to hold accountable any abuse in Negros operation—Palace

Gov't to hold accountable any abuse in Negros operation—Palace

Published Apr 27, 2026 02:09 pm
Philippine Army (PA) personnel carry a casket bearing the remains of one of the 19 individuals slain during an encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental during an encounter with the New People's Army (NPA) on April 19, 2026. (Photo: 3rd Infantry Division)
Philippine Army (PA) personnel carry a casket bearing the remains of one of the 19 individuals slain during an encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental during an encounter with the New People's Army (NPA) on April 19, 2026. (Photo: 3rd Infantry Division)

Malacañang said the government will hold accountable anyone found liable for abuses in the recent military operation in Negros Occidental that left 19 people dead.

In her press briefing on Monday, April 27, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said accountability will be enforced if wrongdoing is proven.

“Everybody who is liable should be held accountable… dapat parusahan iyong umaabuso (Those who abuse should be punished),” she said.

Castro cited the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which maintained that the operation in Toboso town was legitimate.

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. said those killed were armed and engaged government forces.

“They were armed… she was fighting,” Brawner said of one of the fatalities, a student leader. 

The military said the clash involved troops from the 79th Infantry Battalion and suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

CHR probe welcomed

Castro said the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is free to conduct its own investigation into the incident.

“Magpapa-imbestiga po sila… hindi naman po pipigilan (They will conduct an investigation… it will not be stopped),” she said.

She added that the probe will help establish the truth behind the incident.

Conflicting claims

Authorities said those killed were rebels, including the target of the operation, while some groups disputed this.

Human rights organizations and activist groups claimed several of the fatalities were civilians, including a student leader, a community journalist, and activists.

Two American nationals were also reported among those killed, allegedly linked to a militant group. 

Calls for an independent investigation have since intensified.

Fight vs communism continues

Castro reiterated the government’s stance against insurgency.

“Dapat labanan ang terorismo, dapat labanan ang komunismo… basta dapat legal ang ginagawa (Terrorism and communism must be fought… but actions must be legal),” she said.

No tolerance for abuse

However, the Palace official stressed that while operations against insurgents will continue, abuses will not be tolerated.

Castro said President Marcos will not allow violations under his administration.

“Hindi hahayaan ng Pangulo ang umaabuso (The President will not allow abuse),” she said.

Related Tags

Claire Castro Human Rights Toboso communism AFP Negros Occidental
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