April 24, 2026
CEBU – A University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman committee condemned the killing of University Student Council (USC) councilor Alyssa Alano in Negros Occidental. The group called for accountability and an independent investigation.
In a statement on April 23, the UP Diliman Committee on the Protection of Academic Freedom and Human Rights (CPAFHR) denounced Alano’s death. Alano, a political science student, was among 19 individuals killed in an encounter on April 19 in Brgy. Salamanca, Toboso.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said its troops clashed with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) during the incident.
READ: UP community mourns student leader slain in Negros
“We call on the Philippine government to account for the death of Alyssa and the other Toboso killings,” the committee said.
Call for investigation
The UP Diliman committee urged authorities to conduct a “transparent and impartial investigation.” It also asked officials to grant human rights groups access to information.
The group questioned the military’s claim that those killed were combatants. It said authorities must verify such claims and review the evidence carefully.
“As a non-combatant, Alyssa and her companions should have been secured by humanitarian law and protocol,” the statement read.
The committee also pointed to broader issues in Negros. It cited land inequality and long-running conflict affecting farming communities.
READ: UP student leader slain in Negros clash
Army statement earlier
Earlier in the day, the Philippine Army urged the public to be cautious about claims circulating online.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala said reports describing the fatalities as civilians should undergo closer scrutiny.
“While any loss of life is deeply concerning and warrants proper investigation, it is also important to ask: why were they at the encounter site, armed, and engaged in a firefight?” he said.
Dema-ala said the presence of firearms and participation in an armed clash raise questions about the narrative online.
He added that government troops followed international humanitarian law. He also said soldiers upheld human rights during the operation.
Calls for accountability continue
The UP Diliman committee urged the public to honor Alano’s life. It also called for continued demands for justice.
“Justice for Alyssa Alano,” the group said as they also clamor for defending academic freedom and human rights.