THREE weeks after the infamous Toboso killings that left 19 people dead, the incident remains widely discussed at the local, national, and even global levels. Was it an encounter or a massacre? That lingering question continues to persist.
The Army maintains that it was a legitimate encounter arising from a lawful military operation in Sitio Sinugmawan, Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, on April 19. This position is backed by no less than Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.
However, several leftist and progressive groups continue to accuse government forces of indiscriminate firing, branding the incident as a massacre.
Records show that of the 19 fatalities, 10 were confirmed members of the New People’s Army (NPA), while nine were civilians. Among the civilians were two Americans—Lyle Prijoles and Kai Sorem—both known as rights advocates. Others included RJ Nichole Ledesma, a community journalist in Negros Occidental; Allysa Alano, a University of the Philippines-Diliman student; and Maureen Kyle Santuyo, a UP teacher.
There is no doubt that this bloody incident, which has stained the peace and order situation in Toboso and the wider Negros Occidental, has drawn international attention. Human rights advocates here and abroad are now restless. They condemn the alleged military abuses and the vicious cycle of violence that claimed 19 lives.
They continue to demand justice and vow not to rest until accountability is achieved for the victims’ families. In response, General Brawner has expressed openness to investigations by the Senate, Congress, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and even the courts.
That is a welcome development. For now, the public can only wait for a fair and thorough investigation to uncover the truth.
‘USUAL’
The Toboso incident is neither new nor isolated. Killings in Negros have become disturbingly “usual,” occurring anytime and anywhere.
The Army reported that 60 Negrense civilians from Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental have been killed from January 2025 to the present, attributing these deaths to NPA rebels. The NPA, in several statements, has admitted to some killings, claiming they were rooted in alleged betrayal and tagging the victims as “military spies.”
On the other hand, the NPA has also accused the military of involvement in several notable killings on Negros Island, including:
* Escalante Massacre (1985) – 20 killed (Escalante City, Negros Occidental)
* Siaton Massacre (2018) – 4 killed (Siaton, Negros Oriental)
* Sagay 9 Massacre (2018) – 9 killed (Sagay City, Negros Occidental)
* Guihulngan Massacre (2018) – 6 killed (Guihulngan, Negros Oriental)
* Negros Oriental Massacre (2019) – 4 killed (across Negros Oriental)
* Fausto Family Massacre (2023) – 4 killed (Sitio Cangkiling, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental)
Most of the victims in these incidents were farmers or hacienda workers.
POVERTY, REPRESSION
Figuratively speaking, what is the DNA of killings in Negros?
Let us borrow the words of Danilo Ramos, chairperson of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP). Ramos pointed to long-standing issues of landlessness, poverty, and systemic repression as key drivers of violence in Negros. His statement, grounded in firsthand experience, carries weight.
Indeed, extreme poverty combined with systemic oppression can push individuals toward rebellion. Being subjected to unjust authority strips people not only of opportunities but also of dignity.
And who are these unjust authorities? Some would point to politicians, members of the judiciary, law enforcers, and government officials who abuse their power. When authority is used to oppress rather than to serve, it breeds resentment and fuels resistance.
For many who feel marginalized and unheard, rebellion becomes an ideology—one that promises dignity, justice, and a sense of purpose. But it is also a dangerous path.
LAST STOP
For many disillusioned individuals, rebellion becomes the last resort. This reality partly explains why insurgency continues to persist in Negros Island.
The perception that those in power remain unjust and oppressive continues to shape the narrative. The recurring killings reflect deeper societal issues that have long plagued the region.
The Army claims that only remnants of rebel forces remain in Negros, no longer as strong as before. Yet the Toboso incident—where 19 individuals were killed in a single operation—raises serious questions.
The presence of civilians among the fatalities suggests that the lines between combatants and non-combatants remain blurred. It also underscores how deeply rooted and resilient ideological beliefs can be.
The truth is, ideology is not easily defeated. No military strategy alone can dismantle it. Ideology goes beyond intellectual discourse—it is deeply embedded in social and psychological frameworks that shape how people see the world and define their identities.
Understanding this is not simple. But it brings us back to the core issues: poverty and oppression—the enduring DNA of killings in Negros.
People fight because they believe they are empowered by an ideology. They resist because they are convinced they are right.
Until both national and local governments genuinely address the root causes—poverty and systemic injustice—rebellion will continue to exist and persist.
As long as killings occur in Negros, the region cannot fully claim progress. These incidents serve as stark reminders that inequality and oppression remain unresolved.
As the iconic Leia Organa from the Star Wars franchise once said, “Rebellions are built on hope!”./PN
