Uncover the truth behind the civilian massacre on Negros Island, Philippines, and punish those responsible [ICHRP KOREA]

Uncover the truth behind the civilian massacre on Negros Island, Philippines, and punish those responsible

We, Korean human rights, religious, and civil society organizations, who have been closely monitoring the human rights situation in the Philippines and maintaining ties of international solidarity, cannot contain our shock and outrage upon hearing the news of the civilian massacre that took place on the 19th in the village of Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental Province.

According to local reports, a military operation conducted by the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion on April 19 resulted in the deaths of 19 civilians and the forced displacement of over 653 residents from 168 households in the rural communities of Salamanca and San Jose. Among the victims are two U.S. citizens, local journalist RJ Ledesma—already well-known for his independent press activism—and Alyssa Alano, a student movement leader at the University of the Philippines. It is reported that they were engaged in community activities and field research to investigate the situation of local residents at the time of the killings.

Considering all these facts, the Philippine military authorities’ explanation that the killings occurred during combat with the New People’s Army(NPA) inevitably sounds like an empty claim. This appears to be a clear violation of international humanitarian law, and the suspicion that it constitutes a crime amounting to a very serious violation of human rights law cannot be dispelled.

As is well known, former Philippine President Duterte is currently on trial at the International Criminal Court, detained under arrest for crimes against humanity. We cannot help but lament the repetition of such a tragic catastrophe amidst this international disgrace. Accordingly, we demand the following for a thorough investigation into this massacre and measures to prevent its recurrence:

1. The Philippine government must establish a neutral and credible investigative body to swiftly and accurately determine the facts and uncover the truth.

2. Thoroughly identify and punish all those involved in this massacre against humanity.

3. To restore peace in the Negros region, cease rampant inequality and the suppression of the peasant movement, and take substantive measures for just social reform.

We also urge the Korean government to comprehensively re-examine its relationship with the Philippines, where crimes against humanity are rampant. In particular, we strongly demand a halt to the export of weapons used in crimes against humanity and a ban on the entry into Korea of Filipino individuals involved in such crimes.

Our organizations in Korea will closely monitor the situation and further strengthen solidarity with all forces of good at home and abroad, including the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP), to realize justice for the victims of this massacre.

April 27, 2026

Philippine Human Rights Network In Korea/
Christian institute for the study of justice and development/
Ecumenical Youth Council in Korea/
Fellowship With Sufferer/
Friends of Asia/
Inc. Christian Democratization Movement/
International Solidarity for Democracy/
KASAMAKO/
Korea Student Christian Federation/
Korean Church Human Rights Center/
National Association of Pastors for Justice and Peace/
National Council of Churches in Korea(NCCK), Committee on Church and Society(Mission and Public Witness)/
Osan Migrant Center/
Practical Buddhist Sangha/
Seoul Diaspora Church/
The Presbyterian church in the Republic Of Korea(PROK)
Partnership & Ecumenical Relations Committee
Church and Society Committee