Prove civilian killings in Toboso clashes, groups urged

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May 24, 2026 | 12:00am

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. yesterday challenged human rights groups to prove their claims that six of the 19 fatalities in the clashes in Toboso, Occidental last month were civilians.

Teodoro said the burden of proof lies on the accuser.

“If the New People’s Army is their source, what kind of credibility can you give to the statement of a terrorist organization? Teodoro asked, noting that Army soldiers themselves have witnessed that the six fatalities were armed.

Teodoro, who met with Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday, thanked local officials for supporting a statement the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that the military operations in Toboso and Cauayan were legitimate.

He visited troopers of the Army’s 79th and 15th Infantry Battalions in Sagay City and Cauayan, respectively.

“They are government officers in the conduct of official duty. They have a very strong presumption of regularity in the performance of their functions,” Teodoro said.

He said the series of encounters in Negros Occidental stemmed from complaints raised by communities, which the AFP responded to.

“I am sure of the legitimacy, not only of the planning, but also the conduct of the operations in Toboso and Cauayan,” he added.