Entry into an active NPA guerrilla zone, or sonang gerilya, is never casual or open to ordinary civilians. Standard NPA protocol is clear. Urban youth and students undergo rigorous screening before being allowed into guerrilla areas. This includes ideological vetting, political education, physical and psychological evaluation, and security checks. By the time they reach the actual camp and operate alongside armed units, they are no longer ordinary civilians. They have been

In a statement released on April 27 regarding the deaths of UP students Alyssa Alano and Maureen Santuyo during an armed encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental, the University of the Philippines expressed sadness over the deaths of the two students and several others killed in the military operation. The statement emphasized assistance for the victims’ families, support for an independent investigation by the Commission on Human Rights, and the right of students to engage in

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. was firm in his rejection of calls to resume peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines. “No. I object to any peace talks with the NPA,” he said. “The Filipinos are at peace. They are the ones disturbing the peace.”

The CPP and the NPA seem to be drawing great value from the same incident, ideological, political, and organizational-wise.

In the so-called National Democratic revolution, the life of an activist or cadre is often measured less by conviction and more by its propaganda value.

Authorities that Lyle G. Prijoles, 40, of Hayward, California, and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem, 26, of Tacoma, Washington, were among those killed.

Legaspi criticized what he described as speculative commentary, in the vernacular “kuda nang kuda at nagmamagaling,” from individuals who, according to him, lack actual experience in armed conflict.

Toboso, Negros Occidental — A 15-year-old girl was among the 19 individuals slain in the April 19 armed encounter between government troops

Racela declared: “Pumunta kami dito para sabihin sa inyo na ang mga institusyon niyo—you are not all welcome in academic spaces! ’Cause you are the number one human rights violator!”

Naglabas ng pahayag ang University of the Philippines Diliman University Student Council kasama ang iba pang organisasyon sa loob ng unibersidad, na nanawagan ng hustisya kaugnay ng pagkamatay ni Alyssa Alano, na kabilang sa mga naiulat na nasawi sa armadong engkwentro sa Toboso, Negros Occidental. Ayon sa mga operasyonal na ulat, kinilala na ang 14 sa kabuuang 19 na nasawi na iniuugnay sa New People's Army sa insidente.