Statement on the US Embassy Advisory

April 30, 2026

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) welcomes the advisory issued by the Embassy of the United States in Manila urging its citizens to exercise caution and avoid political demonstrations such as the Labor Day protests scheduled to take place in Metro Manila and other places on Friday, 1 May 2026.

This is a prudent and responsible reminder that while the Philippines upholds democratic freedoms, large public gatherings—especially those involving political issues—carry real and sometimes unpredictable risks.

We fully agree with the call for caution. Even peaceful demonstrations can escalate without warning. When thousands gather across multiple locations, the potential for disruption, confrontation, or unintended incidents increases.

For foreign nationals, the risks are even more pronounced, as their participation in political activities while here in the Philippines may have legal consequences under local immigration laws.

This is not merely theoretical. We have seen how individuals—Filipinos and foreigners alike—can be drawn into situations they do not fully understand, only to find themselves in harm’s way. The line between activism and exposure to danger can quickly blur, particularly in environments where organized groups operate with clear political or ideological objectives.

We need only look at the recent armed encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19. What happened there was not a protest—it was a violent clash between government forces and members of the North Negros Front of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Among the 19 individuals killed in that incident were Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem, both US citizens, who arrived in the Philippines late last month. Both were present in the area where the fighting took place.

Their deaths are a stark reminder that once a person is drawn into the orbit of armed insurgency—whether through recruitment, influence, or sustained exposure—the consequences can be tragic and irreversible. These are not abstract risks. These are real lives lost.

That is why advisories like this matter. They are not meant to curtail freedoms, but to protect lives. Avoiding politically charged demonstrations, particularly for foreign nationals, is both a matter of personal safety and respect for the laws of the host country.

We urge everyone—Filipinos and foreign nationals alike—to remain vigilant; to stay informed;

and to exercise sound judgment. Do not put yourselves in situations where the risks outweigh the purpose.

At the end of the day, no cause is worth a life unnecessarily lost. Our shared responsibility is to ensure that people are protected, not placed in harm’s way.

Usec. Ernesto C. Torres Jr.

Executive Director

NTF-ELCAC