The United States Embassy in Manila released a security alert on Friday, urging its citizens to avoid affiliation with insurgent groups in the Philippines. The warning follows the confirmed deaths of two American nationals during a massive military operation in Negros Occidental two weeks ago.
Philippine authorities identified the deceased Americans as Lyle Prijoles, a 40-year-old human rights advocate from San Diego, and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem, a 26-year-old youth organizer from Seattle. They were among 19 individuals killed on April 19 during an encounter between the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Toboso town.
While the military identified all fatalities as “combatants,” human rights groups and the NPA have asserted that at least nine of the victims—including the two Americans—were civilians.
In its official security alert, the embassy provided clear directives for Americans residing in or visiting the country:
“Do not affiliate with terrorist or insurgent groups. If you unwittingly become associated with a group you suspect is engaged in terrorism or armed opposition to the Philippine government, the embassy can help. Contact us immediately.”
The embassy cautioned that individuals found in proximity to insurgent elements face severe risks, including arrest or death. It advised American citizens to maintain high situational awareness, particularly in rural or mountainous regions of Leyte, Mindoro, Negros, and Samar, which have seen intensified conflict.
“We advise Americans in the Philippines and around the world to abide by local laws and to avoid situations with elevated security risk.”
Specific warnings were also issued regarding non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that may have underlying ties to the NPA, which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by both the U.S. and the Philippines.
The embassy stressed that Americans intending to perform humanitarian work must ensure their host organizations are properly registered and that they possess the correct visas.
“Some nongovernmental organizations have affiliations with the NPA and other violent groups. Americans seeking to engage in humanitarian activities should work with groups registered with the Philippines National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency and obtain the correct visa.”
The operation in Toboso, which resulted in the highest number of rebel fatalities in Negros since the 1990s, remains under investigation by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
The U.S. Embassy has encouraged any Americans planning volunteer activities to coordinate directly with local government units for reliable security guidance.