MANILA — The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Friday confirmed that two American nationals were among those killed in an armed encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19, 2026.

In a statement, the task force said the second American fatality was verified based on reports from the Negros Police, bringing the total number of U.S. citizens killed in the incident to two.

“This brings to two (2) the number of U.S. citizens—Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem—who died in the same incident, a development that highlights the increasing involvement of individuals from outside the Philippines in local armed hostilities,” the NTF-ELCAC said.

According to the task force, publicly available records indicated that Prijoles had been affiliated with Anakbayan-USA since 2012 and had served in various roles prior to his arrival in the Philippines.

Authorities said both American nationals entered the country separately toward the end of March 2026 and were believed to have traveled to Negros Occidental, where they were later killed in the April 19 encounter.

“Our thoughts are with their families, who now face the burden of loss under circumstances that unfolded far from their homes,” the statement read.

The two Americans were among 19 individuals identified by authorities as members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who died in the clash. Their remains have since been returned to their respective families.

“These facts point to a disturbing convergence: foreign nationals in a live combat setting, where the risks are immediate and the consequences irreversible,” the task force said.

The NTF-ELCAC also called on Filipinos living abroad, particularly those in the United States, to remain vigilant.

“For Filipinos living overseas, particularly in the United States, this situation calls for heightened awareness and sound judgment,” it 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.”

The task force urged Filipino communities overseas to exercise caution in their engagements, warning against activities that may go beyond lawful advocacy and pose significant risks.

“We encourage Filipino communities abroad to exercise caution in engagements that may extend beyond lawful advocacy and into areas that carry significant personal risk,” it said.

“Awareness and discernment are essential in ensuring that no member of the community is placed in harm’s way.”

With all 19 individuals now identified and their remains returned, the government said efforts should focus on preventing similar incidents.

“The government remains committed to its responsibility to maintain peace and order, enforce the law, and safeguard lives wherever possible,” the statement said.

“When distance no longer shields our people from danger, awareness becomes our first line of protection.”