San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza led the diocese on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in mourning over the 19 lives that were taken during the April 19 encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental. In a statement, Alminaza expressed deep sadness over the killings, emphasizing that even a single life lost is unacceptable.
Bishop's Statement on Sacredness of Life
"Regardless of the circumstances, one truth must remain non-negotiable: every human life is sacred," said Alminaza. He added, "No label -- whether 'combatant', 'suspect', or 'collateral' -- can erase the fundamental dignity of a person created in the image of God."
Details of the Encounter
On April 19, an armed confrontation broke out in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental, resulting in the death of 19 individuals. The incident involved troops of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, alleged combatants of the New People's Army, and some civilians. The military reported that the operations led to the neutralization of 19 CTG remnants and the recovery of firearms and war materials following a series of encounters.
Call for Investigation
Bishop Alminaza called for an impartial investigation into the deadly encounter. "At the heart of the Toboso incident is a simple but urgent question: What really happened? This is not a question of ideology. It is a question of truth," he said. "The truth requires more than statements. It requires credible, independent, and transparent investigation. We, therefore, call for a thorough and impartial inquiry by appropriate institutions," Alminaza added.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is also probing the Toboso clash. Among the fatalities were a journalist and a student leader, as well as two US citizens, according to reports.
