UP STUDENT LEADER AMONG 19 KILLED IN NEGROS CLASH

TOBOSO, Negros Occidental — A University of the Philippines Diliman student was among 19 people killed in a reported encounter between government troops and alleged members of the New People's Army in Barangay Salamanca on April 19, 2026, authorities said.

The military identified the student as Alyssa Alano. Officials said verification and identification of the remaining fatalities are still ongoing, with full confirmation pending coordination with concerned agencies.

The Philippine Army said the operation was part of its counterinsurgency efforts and maintained that those involved were believed to be members of an armed group. It added that troops responded to reported armed presence in the area, which led to an exchange of fire.

However, the UP Diliman University Student Council said Alano, who served as its Education and Research councilor, was among those killed. In its statement, the council said she died along with others after troops from the 79th Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division allegedly fired on a community in Barangay Salamanca.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. of the Department of National Defense questioned reports suggesting that some of the victims may not have been armed. He also cited concerns about alleged “obstruction” at the encounter site, which he said could affect evidence gathering and verification efforts.

With conflicting accounts emerging, various groups are calling for an independent investigation to determine the full circumstances of the incident and whether any human rights violations occurred.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, with further details expected once full validation and coordination with relevant agencies are completed.