National SDS Demands Justice for the Negros 19!

Last week on April 20th, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) carried out a massacre killing 19 people and displacing hundreds of families through prolonged indiscriminate strafing in Negros. In a clear violation of international human rights law, the AFP murdered innocent civilians including farmers, journalists, student leaders and human rights advocates. The fascist Philippine government is pushing a false narrative that these community members were “terrorists”. We reject this lie and demand justice for all who were murdered.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, which has been carrying out a brutal campaign of repression against dissenters and activists who speak out against Marcos, fired indiscriminately on villagers in Negros, many of whom are sugarcane workers. These student leaders had dedicated decades to learning about the human rights atrocities committed on the people of the Philippines by the US-backed Marcos regime, all in the name of US economic interests. In the end, they died heroes and patriots and will be forever remembered and mourned for their service to the people.

As a student and youth activist organization, we were grieved to learn of the murders of journalist RJ Ledesma, filipino student leader Alyssa Alano, and Filipino-American youth activist Kai Sorem. These were young people who were advocating for their community and building a better future for all. We also uplift the calls for justice for Filipino-American human rights advocate Lyle Prijoles and peasant advocates Errol Wendel and Maureen Santuyo. We demand justice for those who have been named and all who have lost their lives to the violence of Marcos’ fascist regime.

National SDS extends our condolences to the loved ones, families, and communities affected by this act of violence. We will continue to work with organizations like Anakbayan and uplift their demands:

JUSTICE FOR THE NEGROS 19!
STOP THE KILLINGS!
US OUT OF THE PHILLIPINES!