Filipino communities and progressive groups launched on May 5 the global day of mourning and outrage for the victims of the April 19 AFP massacre in Toboso, Negros Occidental, known as Negros 19. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (New Patriotic Alliance)-International and International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines led the activities in various areas worldwide.

From April 28 to May 8 in the US, they launched a week of protests and commemoration for the life of Lyle Prijoles, of International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP)-USA Country Council, and of Kai Sorem, one of the founders of Anakbayan South Seattle. They were among the 19 killed by the military in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19. They called “Livelihood, not bullets! End the crisis and suffering of the people!”

Filipino communities and activists launched activities in University of California, Irvine; Santa Cruz, California; San Francisco, California; Tacoma, Washington; Seattle, Washington; San Jose State University, California; Los Angeles, California; and east Oakland.

Groups also protested to condemn the massacre and call for holding the AFP and US-Marcos regime accountable. Groups protested on April 25 at the Philippine consulates in San Francisco on April 27; May 5 in New York City and in Honolulu, Hawaii; Washington; April 28 in Los Angeles, California; May 1 in Chicago; May 4 in Seattle, Washington; and at Senator Jeff Merkley’s office in Portland, Oregon to call on him to condemn the killings and call for an independent investigation.

Allied groups in the US expressed solidarity and mourning, including National Federation of Filipino-American Association Nodutdol, Balikbayan Netherlands, Students for Democratic Society, Palestine Youth Movement, Vets About Face, and Critical Resistance.

In Asia, Migrante Hong Kong held a mass for Toboso 19 on Chater Road, Central District on April 26. Japan Coalition of Human Rights in the Philippines, Migrante Japan, and Migrante South Korea expressed condemnation and solidarity. In South Korea, groups advocating for human rights, church people, and youth students in the country expressed solidarity and called for justice.

Progressive groups in Canada protested and submitted a petition at the Philippine consulate in Toronto to call for justice for Negros 19. They also launched a vigil at Calgary City Hall, Alberta on May 2 and in Edmonton on May 3.

Progressive groups in Australia launched a vigil at Victorian State Library in Melbourne. Before this, protesters blockaded the doors of the Philippine consulate in Melbourne.

Bayan United Kingdom also launched a protest and tribute at Earl’s Court Station, London on May 5.