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Comedienne-actress Tuesday Vargas joined a protest calling for justice following the death of a University of the Philippines (UP) student leader in Negros Occidental.
According to reports, UP student Alyssa Alano was among those killed during an encounter between government troops and members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19.
In a Facebook post, Vargas shared photos of her participation as she returned to her alma mater to take part in the protest.
“Napaka bigat ng aking puso pero ako ay nagtungo sa aking paaralan upang makiisa,” she wrote in the caption.
She also paid tribute to the slain student, highlighting her contributions to marginalized sectors.
“Mataas na pagpugay kay Alyssa. Salamat sa iyong paninilbihan sa lahat ng mga sektor partikular na ang mga magsasaka sa kanayunan. Maraming salamat sa iyong makabuluhang buhay,” Vargas added.
The actress likewise extended her condolences to the victims’ families and called for justice.
“Kami po ay nakikiramay sa kanyang mga ka anak at sa lahat ng mga nasawi sa Negros. Hustisya para kay Alyssa!”
She also reminded the public to remain respectful in their comments online.
“Paalala po maging magalang po sa komento bilang respeto na lang po sa pamilya ng mga yumao.”
Aside from Alano, journalist RJ Nicholle Ledesma was also reported among those who died in the incident.
The University of the Philippines Diliman University Student Council confirmed that Alano, an education and research councilor, died while on a community visit in Barangay Salamanca, where she was reportedly studying the conditions of residents amid increasing militarization.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines maintained that Alano was not an innocent civilian.
AFP chief Romeo Brawner Jr. said she was allegedly found armed and in combat gear during the clash.
“Are they saying she was an innocent student? No. If she is innocent and has no intention of joining the armed group, why was she found wearing a combat rig with a magazine pouch? She was armed. She was fighting,” Brawner said.
The military also reiterated that its forces respect human rights and only engage when fired upon.
“Our soldiers are not human rights violators. In fact, we respect human rights. But once you start fighting and firing against government forces, you are a combatant and you can become a casualty,” he added.
However, human rights advocates and members of the academic community continue to question the circumstances surrounding the incident, with candlelight vigils and protests being held to honor Alano and call for accountability.
As of writing, discussions surrounding the case remain ongoing, with calls for further investigation and clarity continuing from various sectors.
