MANILA — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched an independent investigation into the reported armed encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental that left 19 people dead, including a journalist, a student leader, and two American nationals.

In a statement issued Sunday, the CHR said its Negros Island Region office has begun its inquiry following information received from local human rights advocates.

“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 CHR said.

The fatalities were reported in what authorities described as an encounter with government troops in Barangay Salamanca on April 19.

The commission also expressed concern over reports that more than 100 families were displaced due to the incident.

“The Commission calls on authorities to ensure adequate humanitarian assistance, protection from further displacement, and access to basic services, in line with human rights and humanitarian standards,” it said.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant, discerning, and committed to the pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) called for a separate, impartial investigation into the incident, describing the killings as alarming.

“The en masse killings in Toboso are a wake-up call. They underscore how the ongoing armed conflict has eroded our sense of humanity,” the group said.

PEPP emphasized that international humanitarian law requires parties in armed conflict to avoid conducting hostilities in areas where civilians are present to prevent unnecessary casualties.

“Peace negotiations must continue, but justice must also be rendered to victims of human rights and international humanitarian law violations,” it added.

The Philippine Army, however, disputed claims that some of those killed were civilians, maintaining that those who died were allegedly armed.

On the other hand, the New People’s Army’s Apolinario Gatmaitan Command rejected the military’s account, asserting that only a few of those killed were combatants.

“The rest were civilians documenting a peasant activity, standing alongside farmers who are consistently pushed to the margins by land grabbing and systemic neglect,” it said.

“Among the casualties were local and foreign journalists and human rights advocates who carried only notebooks, cameras, and the grievances of the poor,” it added.