18/06/2026
STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION ON THE ARMED ENCOUNTER IN TOBOSO, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
The National Youth Commission (NYC) acknowledges confirmed reports regarding the armed encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental. Of critical concern is the verified involvement of at least ten (10) young Filipino individuals in the incident. The NYC strongly condemns the exploitation of minors and young adults, whose vulnerabilities are weaponized to draw them into illegal armed conflict and place them in extreme peril. In response to this tragedy, the NYC categorically supports the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in its recommendations, alongside the proposed congressional inquiry to establish full accountability and prevent future recruitment.
Furthermore, the NYC is actively intensifying its local convergence programs to strengthen grassroots institutional safeguards, ensuring that communities have the robust monitoring systems needed to shield vulnerable youth from radicalization. The NYC affirms that the role of youth is to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to societyβnot to be placed in situations where their lives are at risk. We recognize that many young people are driven by a desire to contribute meaningfully to society and address the challenges faced by their communities, but we must draw a firm line: service should never mean sacrifice of life. We are concerned by narratives that may inadvertently normalize, romanticize, or encourage youth participation in armed conflict. Regardless of perspective, the Filipino youth should never be placed in situations where armed conflict endangers their lives and future.
The NYC expresses its deepest sympathies to the families and communities enduring the loss of these young lives. We view with grave concern the current public discourse that reduces this tragedy to polarizing narratives or glorifies youth involvement in armed violence. The exploitation of our youth by insurgent groups is a severe violation of their rights and a direct threat to human security. The NYC remains unyielding in its commitment to work with all lawful stakeholders to ensure every young Filipino is protected, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive in a peaceful, secure, and inclusive society.
