MANILA — Two Americans were among 19 suspected communist guerrillas killed in clashes with Philippine troops earlier this week in the central province of Negros Occidental, authorities said.The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict said Saturday that the two U.S. nationals were killed alongside 17 suspected members of the New People’s Army during a series of armed encounters on April 19 in the coastal town of Toboso.The task force identified the Americans as Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem.According to the statement, both arrived in the Philippines in March 2026.The agency said the involvement of foreign nationals in local armed conflict raises serious concerns and highlighted the risks associated with participation in extremist or militant networks.“The presence of two American fatalities in a single encounter should prompt careful reflection on how involvement in certain activities or networks may lead to unintended exposure to dangerous environments,” the task force said.Authorities said the remains of the two Americans had been turned over to their families.Both the United States and the Philippines classify the New People’s Army as a terrorist organization.
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