MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it has launched an investigation following a violent armed encounter in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental that left at least 19 people dead.

The incident, which occurred on April 19, has sparked concern due to conflicting reports on the identities of the casualties, including the deaths of student leader Alyssa Alano and community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma.

“The CHR, through its office in the Negros Island Region, has initiated an independent investigation. Information from local human rights advocates prompted coordination with civil society organizations, local authorities, and security forces, including working with the families for the retrieval of the remains in Toboso and Escalante,” the CHR’s statement read on Sunday, April 26.

According to the commission, while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) maintains that all casualties were members of an armed rebel group, various organizations assert that several victims were civilians involved in community work.

The CHR emphasized that any determination of combatant status must be grounded in verifiable evidence and due process, noting that under International Humanitarian Law, individuals must be presumed civilians in cases of doubt.

“Allegation of unlawful killing or violation of IHL and human rights law require prompt, effective, impartial, and independent investigation, and accountability where violation is established,” the CHR said.

Beyond the reported deaths, the commission said the clash has triggered a humanitarian crisis in the area, with reports indicating that over 100 families have been forced to flee their homes.

“The Commission calls on authorities to ensure adequate humanitarian assistance, protection from further displacement, and access to basic services, in line with human rights and humanitarian standards,” the CHR said.

Human rights and press freedom groups have called for an independent probe into the killing of 19 people during a military operation in Toboso, Negros Occidental, saying colleagues of Alano and Ledesma said neither was armed nor at the initial clash site.

There is also an American citizen of Filipino descent who was slain during the encounter.

The AFP, however, maintained that those killed are alleged members of the New People’s Army.