Manila: The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has issued a cautionary statement to Filipinos residing overseas and foreign nationals, urging them to remain vigilant against recruitment efforts by individuals and networks aiming to enlist them in conflicts against the Philippine government.
According to Philippines News Agency, the warning follows the confirmation that two American citizens were killed in a confrontation between the Philippine military and remnants of the New People's Army (NPA) in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19. This incident underscores the increasing involvement of foreign nationals in local armed conflicts. The NTF-ELCAC identified the deceased Americans as Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem, noting that Prijoles had been linked with Anakbayan-USA, an organization associated with the communist movement, since 2012.
Prijoles, who studied at San Francisco State University in California, and Sorem reportedly traveled independently to the Philippines at the end of March and moved to Negros Occidental, where they were killed. "Our thoughts are with their families, who now face the burden of loss under circumstances that unfolded far from their homes," said NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr.
Torres emphasized the concerning nature of foreign nationals participating in live combat settings, highlighting the immediate risks and irreversible consequences. He urged Filipinos abroad, particularly in the United States, to exercise caution and sound judgment to avoid unintended exposure to dangerous environments and stressed the importance of awareness and discernment.
The NTF-ELCAC is focusing on preventing similar incidents, with Torres reiterating the government's commitment to maintaining peace, enforcing the law, and safeguarding lives. He stated, "When distance no longer shields our people from danger, awareness becomes our first line of protection."
Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala addressed allegations on social media suggesting that those killed were civilians rather than NPA insurgents. He called for proper investigation into the claims and emphasized the necessity of determining why individuals were armed and engaging in combat with military troops. Dema-ala affirmed the Philippine Army's adherence to International Humanitarian Law and respect for human rights.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed concern over the armed encounter and has initiated an independent investigation. The CHR noted inconsistencies in the identities of the deceased and emphasized the need to distinguish between combatants and civilians, as indiscriminate attacks are prohibited and civilians are protected unless they directly participate in hostilities.
