‘We Refuse to Forget!’ Filipinos Demand Justice for Negros 19

BAYAN USA Photo

NEW YORK - Six months after a deadly military operation in Negros Occidental, Filipino community members gathered at the Philippine Consulate General with a demand: justice for the “Negros 19.”

The vigil, part of a nationwide day of action led by BAYAN USA, remembered 19 people killed during an April 19–20 operation in Toboso. Among them were Filipino American activists Lyle Prijoles and Kai Sorem.

Organizers accused the Armed Forces of the Philippines of indiscriminately firing on a peasant community for more than 12 hours. According to their account, the operation displaced 653 residents and forced another 200 people in nearby areas to flee.

Those remembered also included youth journalist RJ Ledesma, University of the Philippines Diliman student Alyssa Alano, and peasant advocates Maureen Santuyo and Errol Wendel.

“The U.S-Marcos regime wishes to erase the massacre; we refuse to let them,” said Paolo Ramirez of Anakbayan Manhattan.

Held during Filipino American History Month and the Philippines’ Peasants Month, the gathering turned mourning into calls for accountability and support for farmers fighting for land and livelihoods.

Nieves Delgado, chairperson of BAYAN USA, urged participants to carry forward the causes embraced by those killed.

“To be Filipino American means to continue the resistance of the Filipino people,” Delgado said.

Speakers also condemned U.S. military assistance to the Philippines, arguing that American support enables abuses during Philippine counterinsurgency operations.

Land rights emerged as another flashpoint. Representatives criticized the Pax Silica initiative in New Clark City, raising concerns about its potential impact on indigenous and farming communities.

Participants also demanded the release of Baltimore-based activist Christina Pasion, whose July detention they described as part of a widening crackdown on dissent.