Story perspectives

79th Infantry Battalion kills journalist, 17 others; 168 families displaced

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The 79th Infantry Battalion killed journalist RJ Ledesma, Alyssa Alano and 17 others on April 19, and said the clash also killed NPA leaders Fabillar, Villarin Sr., Bacusmo, Bunghanoy and “Panes.”
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines reported that the operation displaced 168 families.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala called for an investigation and advocates said Ledesma was attacked in Sitio Plariding, not at the clash site.

History

Historical Context

On November 23 2009 the Ampatuan clan’s convoy killed 58 people, including 32 journalists, prompting President Arroyo to declare a state of emergency and later martial law in Maguindanao. Decades of such violence set a precedent for the April 19 clash where the 79th Infantry Battalion’s operation killed journalist RJ Ledesma, 17 civilians and displaced 168 families, renewing calls for independent investigations.

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Story summary

The 79th Infantry Battalion killed journalist RJ Ledesma, Alyssa Alano and 17 others on April 19, and said the clash also killed NPA leaders Fabillar, Villarin Sr., Bacusmo, Bunghanoy and “Panes.”
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines reported that the operation displaced 168 families.
Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala called for an investigation and advocates said Ledesma was attacked in Sitio Plariding, not at the clash site.

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