Justice for the Toboso 19
Statement of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) Britain
We join the growing global outcry for justice for the Toboso 19.
On April 19, in Brgy. Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental, 19 lives were taken during military operations conducted by the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. In the aftermath, more than 653 residents from 168 households were forcibly displaced.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines claims this was an encounter with the New People’s Army. However, the scale of the killings, the civilian profiles of several victims, and accounts from the community raise serious concerns of grave violations of International Humanitarian Law.
These concerns are consistent with broader findings on the human rights situation in the Philippines. In 2024, the International Peoples’ Tribunal found the Marcos Jr. and Duterte administrations responsible for war crimes and violations of International Humanitarian Law, including extrajudicial killings, attacks on civilians, and the systematic red-tagging of activists and human rights defenders. The patterns identified by the Tribunal are reflected in the ongoing violence in Negros.
Among those killed were a journalist, a student leader, and community organizers reported to have been conducting research and immersion work with peasant communities. Testimonies from relatives and residents also indicate that some victims were civilians, including farmers. Under International Humanitarian Law, civilians and persons not directly participating in hostilities are protected. The killing of such individuals constitutes a serious violation.
Reports of indiscriminate firing and the displacement of hundreds of residents further raise concerns regarding violations of the principles of distinction and proportionality. These principles are fundamental safeguards under International Humanitarian Law to limit harm to civilians during armed conflict.
We note with alarm the continued pattern of red-tagging and the labeling of victims as combatants without due process. It is a state-enforced pattern of targeting and executing those who choose what is right over what is easy. Such practices endanger civilians and contribute to a climate of impunity.
We reject attempts to justify these killings through counterinsurgency narratives that obscure accountability. The criminalization of activism, journalism, and community work undermines fundamental human rights and democratic space.
ICHRP Britain calls for:
An immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the killings of the Toboso 19
Full access for families, lawyers, and human rights advocates to the victims without harassment or intimidation
Accountability for all state forces responsible for violations of human rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL)
An end to red-tagging and the targeting of civilians, journalists, and community organizers
The full adherence of the Philippine government to its obligations under International Humanitarian Law and international human rights law
We call on the international community, including the United Kingdom, to take concrete steps to ensure accountability and to support the Filipino people in their struggle for justice. We specifically urge UK-based human rights and solidarity organisations, including Amnesty International UK, War on Want, and Global Justice Now, to investigate, speak out, and hold the Philippine government accountable for these violations.
Justice for the Toboso 19!
Defend Negros!