April 30, 2026
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) mourns the tragic loss of life in the recent armed clash in Negros Occidental, where 19 people were killed, including two Filipino Americans: Lyle Prijoles and Kai Dana-Rene Sorem.
Our hearts are with the families and communities impacted – both in the Philippines and across the diaspora. These are our kababayan. Every Filipino life, whether at home or abroad, carries dignity and must be protected.
We recognize the complexity of conflict, but we remain grounded in our values: violence should never be the answer. We support efforts to ensure clarity and a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding these deaths.
As civic engagement is one of our core pillars, NaFFAA believes in the right of people to engage in peaceful protest and advocacy without resulting in harm. Real change must come through dialogue, justice, and collective action.
Guided by kapwa – our shared humanity – we stand in solidarity with all those working toward peace, dignity, and the protection of Filipino lives everywhere. In this moment of grief, may we choose compassion, uphold one another, and move forward together as one people.
NaFFAA is also actively working to compile resources for those who wish to better understand this issue. We invite our community to reach out with any questions or if you would like to be connected to information and support.
For inquiries, contact:
Mark Eyo, Communications Lead
mark.eyo@naffaa.org
Since 1997, the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) has been the standard-bearer for promoting the welfare and well-being of the four million Filipinos and Filipino Americans throughout the United States. NaFFAA is the largest non-partisan, non-profit organization and national affiliation of Filipino American institutions, umbrella organizations, and individuals. Its fourteen-member regions cover the continental United States, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands.