The United States Embassy in Manila yesterday issued a security alert for its citizens in the Philippines following the deaths of two Americans in a reported clash in Toboso, Negros Occidental.
In the security alert, the US embassy flagged as “areas of heightened concern” the rural and mountainous parts of Leyte, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar.
“We advise Americans in the Philippines and around the world to abide by local laws and to avoid situations with elevated security risk,” the embassy said.
Two US citizens were among those 19 killed in the operation of the Philippine Army against alleged New People’s Army (NPA) members in Barangay Salamanca on April 19.
The embassy informed its citizens that the NPA is designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US and Philippine governments.
“Anyone in proximity of NPA elements is at grave risk of arrest, injury or death. Foreign terrorist organizations actively recruit Americans to participate directly in terrorist activities and/or provide financial support,” it said.
The US embassy urged Americans in the Philippines and worldwide to follow local laws and avoid situations with heightened security risks.
US citizens are also advised not to affiliate with insurgent or terrorist groups and to immediately leave areas where armed individuals not linked to police or military forces are present.
It also cautioned that some non-governmental organizations may have ties to armed groups.
Americans planning humanitarian work were encouraged to coordinate with organizations registered with the Philippines National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency and local government units to ensure safety and proper documentation.
A vigil was held recently in front of the Philippine Consulate in New York for Lyle Prijoles and Kai Sorem, who were identified by participants as Filipino Americans who died in the Toboso incident.
The NPA’s Apolinario Gatmaitan Command earlier disputed the military’s account, saying only a small number of those killed were armed fighters and that some of them were civilians.
The reported civilians killed in the military operation included local farmer Roel Sabillo and Bacolod-based journalist RJ Ledesma, the rebel group said.
Also, the University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman University Student Council said student leader Alyssa Alano was among the fatalities in the incident.
The UP Open University also confirmed that its Associate of Arts student, Maureen Keil Santuyo, was killed in the operation.
Two minors were also among the fatalities.
Philippine Army spokesperson Colonel Louie Dema-ala earlier said soldiers from the 79th Infantry Battalion acted professionally and in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.
“Ano ang ginagawa ng mga sinasabi nilang journalist, social workers, faculty members, spokesperson ng mga progresibong grupo sa loob ng encounter site na may mga bitbit na baril at nakikipagbarilan sa ating mga sundalo?” Dema-ala said. (GMA News)