PRESS RELEASE

Rep. Antonio Tinio ACT Teachers Party-list 25 April 2026

Tinio urges House Human Rights panel to probe “Toboso 19” killings in Negros; demands accountability, protection for civilians, students, journalists

House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Representative Antonio Tinio called on the House Committee on Human Rights to immediately launch a congressional investigation into the anti-insurgency operation in Toboso, Negros Occidental that left 19 people dead, including a University of the Philippines (UP) student leader, a journalist, and peasant advocates.

“We cannot accept a blanket ‘encounter’ narrative that automatically justifies the deaths of 19 people,” Tinio said. “Congress must investigate what happened in Toboso—who gave the orders, what the rules of engagement were, whether excessive force was used, and whether there were violations of international humanitarian law and basic human rights.”

Tinio said the reported identities of those killed—such as UP Diliman University Student Council education and research councilor Alyssa Alano, journalist and alternative media coordinator RJ Ledesma, and peasant advocates identified by organizations—underscore the need for an independent and transparent fact-finding process.

“The killing of a student leader and a journalist raises the gravest concerns about the militarization of communities and the shrinking space for civic work, community immersion, and field reporting,” Tinio said. “These are not ‘collateral’ details. These are warning signs of a pattern.”

“Hindi puwedeng basta na lang tawaging ‘lehitimong operasyon’ at tapos na,” Tinio said. “Kailangang imbestigahan ng Kongreso ang Toboso 19 massacre. Ilantad kung ano talaga ang nangyari, at papanagutin ang dapat managot.”

Tinio stressed that regardless of the AFP’s claims, both combatants and civilians are protected by international humanitarian law, and the State has the duty to ensure that operations comply with the Constitution, domestic law, and the country’s obligations under the Geneva Conventions.

“Even in armed conflict, there are rules. There are rights,” Tinio said. “A congressional probe will help establish facts, prevent cover-ups, and craft safeguards so communities—especially in militarized areas—are not subjected to further abuses.”

He urged the House Committee on Human Rights to summon the commanders and units involved, secure operational documents and after-action reports, and coordinate with the Commission on Human Rights and independent investigators to ensure public accountability.

“Dapat mabigyan ng access ang mga human rights groups, fact-finding teams, at mga pamilya ng biktima sa impormasyon at ebidensya,” Tinio said. “Hindi makakamit ang hustisya kung puro pahayag lang ng militar ang pagbabatayan.”

Tinio also expressed solidarity with calls from human rights organizations, peasant groups, and the UP community for an independent probe, and stressed the need to protect witnesses and survivors from threats, intimidation, and red-tagging.

“Justice for the Toboso 19 is an obligation, not an option,” Tinio said. “Congress must act.” ###