Two Americans Among Suspected Communist Rebels Killed in Philippine Clash
Clashes between Philippine troops and suspected communist rebels result in the deaths of two Americans.
MANILA: Two Americans were among 19 suspected communist guerrillas killed in clashes with Philippine troops in Negros Occidental province.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict stated that the fighting occurred on April 19 in the coastal town of Toboso.
The task force warned Americans of Filipino descent to be cautious of recruitment by left-wing groups supporting insurgents in the Philippines.
The US and Philippine governments have designated the New People’s Army as a terrorist organization.
Human rights groups called for an independent investigation, citing concerns about civilian casualties, including a student leader, two farmer advocates, and a community journalist.
Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., executive director of the counterinsurgency task force, identified the Americans as Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem.
It is unclear how they became involved in the conflict.
The US Embassy in Manila has not commented on the situation.
The clashes began when army forces responded to reports of rebel activity from villagers.
A rebel commander with a bounty was killed, and troops seized 24 firearms.
An unspecified number of guerrillas were captured following the skirmish.
Peace talks between the government and rebels mediated by Norway have previously collapsed under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration due to ongoing attacks.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict stated that the fighting occurred on April 19 in the coastal town of Toboso.
The task force warned Americans of Filipino descent to be cautious of recruitment by left-wing groups supporting insurgents in the Philippines.
The US and Philippine governments have designated the New People’s Army as a terrorist organization.
Human rights groups called for an independent investigation, citing concerns about civilian casualties, including a student leader, two farmer advocates, and a community journalist.
Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., executive director of the counterinsurgency task force, identified the Americans as Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem.
It is unclear how they became involved in the conflict.
The US Embassy in Manila has not commented on the situation.
The clashes began when army forces responded to reports of rebel activity from villagers.
A rebel commander with a bounty was killed, and troops seized 24 firearms.
An unspecified number of guerrillas were captured following the skirmish.
Peace talks between the government and rebels mediated by Norway have previously collapsed under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration due to ongoing attacks.
