Story perspectives

Two Americans Killed in Philippine Army Shootout; NPA Designated Terrorist

5/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Lyle Prijoles, 40, and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem, 26, were killed in an Army firefight in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19, leaving 19 dead.
The Philippine government labeled the NPA a foreign terrorist organization and called the two Americans combatants, although human-rights advocates and the NPA said they were civilians.
Both had joined left-wing groups like Anakbayan and the League of Filipino Students while studying in San Diego and Washington.

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Story summary

Lyle Prijoles, 40, and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem, 26, were killed in an Army firefight in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19, leaving 19 dead.
The Philippine government labeled the NPA a foreign terrorist organization and called the two Americans combatants, although human-rights advocates and the NPA said they were civilians.
Both had joined left-wing groups like Anakbayan and the League of Filipino Students while studying in San Diego and Washington.