UP Diliman Student Council Condemns Killing of Member in Negros Occidental Encounter
The University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman University Student Council (USC) has issued a strong statement demanding justice for the death of its member, USC Councilor Alyssa Alano, during what the military described as an encounter with the New People’s Army in Toboso, Negros Occidental over the weekend. In a passionate declaration, the USC vehemently condemned the killing of Alano, who served as the education and research councilor of USC-Diliman, labeling her as an innocent civilian caught in the crossfire.
USC’s Firm Stance Against Human Rights Violations
The USC expressed deep outrage over what it called the brutal and repeated violations of human rights by the government and its forces. “The UP Diliman USC strongly condemns the AFP’s killing of Alyssa, who was an innocent civilian,” the council stated. It further opposed the actions of what it termed a reactionary government and its mercenaries, accusing them of targeting not only the people of Negros but also activists who advocate for the oppressed masses. The council emphasized that Alano had been immersing herself with local farmers to understand their struggles amid allegations of land seizure and militarization, describing her as a hard-working, loving, and exemplary student leader dedicated to social causes.
Commitment to Continuing the Struggle for Justice
Despite the mourning within the council, the USC affirmed its resolve to persist in the fight for social justice. “The entire council mourns the incident, but beyond this, the UP Diliman USC chooses, with courage and determination, to continue the struggle for social justice and justice for all victims of fascism under the current decaying state,” it declared. The statement highlighted that as long as poverty’s root causes remain unaddressed, many like Alano will emerge to study and combat societal exploitation. It vowed that her spirit would endure among the Iskolar ng Bayan, fostering unity to overcome what it described as an oppressive and exploitative system.
Philippine Army’s Response and Defense of Operations
In a separate report, the Philippine Army provided details of the encounter, which occurred on Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Barangay Salamanca, resulting in the deaths of 19 NPA rebels. The Army firmly refuted claims that those killed were merely researchers, journalists, student leaders, or social workers, denying any violations of human rights and International Humanitarian Law. “While any loss of life is deeply concerning and warrants proper investigation, it is also important to address a fundamental question: ‘Why were they at the actual encounter site, armed, and engaging in a firefight with soldiers?’” the Army stated. It argued that the presence of firearms and active participation in armed confrontations cast doubt on online narratives pushing alternative accounts.
Call for Caution and Proper Legal Processes
The Philippine Army underscored its troops’ steadfast commitment to their mission and dedication to duty, urging caution against oversimplifying complex security incidents. “We must be careful not to oversimplify complex security incidents or prematurely assign blame without verified facts. Allegations of human rights violations are serious and should be examined through proper legal and institutional processes—not trial by social media,” it added. This response aims to counter the USC’s accusations, emphasizing the need for factual verification and adherence to legal frameworks in assessing such incidents.
