MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) said it is open to an investigation by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) into the April 19 encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Toboso, Negros Occidental, adding that it is confident the facts will support its account of the incident.

“We are open to investigation, and the evidence will speak for us,” PA spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said in a message to reporters Sunday night.

Dema-ala maintained that those who died in the clash were not civilians, but armed members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA, countering claims made by left-leaning groups.

He said the operation was a legitimate armed encounter and was conducted in accordance with established rules of engagement, with what he described as due regard for civilian safety.

“At the same time, we call for a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation into the reported deaths of civilians in Negros Occidental, including those allegedly involving the group of the late Roger Fabillar, also known as ‘Jhong,’ to ensure that all facts are established and accountability is upheld,” he said.

The CHR earlier raised grave concern over the incident, which reportedly left 19 individuals dead, including student leader Alyssa Alano and community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma.

The commission’s office in the Negros Island Region has launched an independent investigation into the matter.

It said initial information came from local human rights advocates, prompting coordination with civil society groups, local authorities, and security forces, as well as efforts to assist families in retrieving remains in Toboso and Escalante towns.