Protesters condemn ‘massacre’ of 19 in Negros Occidental

NEW YORK - Grief turned into outrage outside the Philippine Consulate General in New York as Filipino community members and allies staged a fiery vigil and indignation rally for the 19 Filipinos killed in a controversial military operation in Negros Occidental.

Dubbed the “Negros 19,” the victims including Filipino American activists Lyle Prijoles and Kai Sorem were remembered through chants, tears, and defiant calls for justice. Protesters accused the Armed Forces of the Philippines of carrying out a “merciless” campaign of violence, claiming the assault left communities shattered and hundreds of civilians displaced.

Organizers said the operation in Toboso lasted more than 12 hours, forcing families to flee as gunfire tore through the area. Human rights advocates slammed the incident as a blatant violation of international law, while speakers warned that such violence reflects a broader crackdown on activists and grassroots movements.

Emotions ran high as friends and fellow organizers shared personal stories of the fallen. RJ Ledesma, a young journalist and activist, was remembered not just for documenting the struggles of farmers, but for standing in solidarity with them on the ground.

The vigil transformed into a protest, with demonstrators vowing to carry on what they called the victims’ fight for “genuine freedom and democracy.” Solidarity groups from across communities joined in, linking the killings to what they described as systemic oppression backed by powerful political forces.

As the crowd dispersed, organizers made one thing clear: this is far from over. More protests are planned in the coming days, including actions targeting Philippine officials attending the International Migration Review Forum in New York setting the stage for an escalating battle for accountability on the global stage.