QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Actress-comedienne Tuesday Vargas recently visited her alma mater, the University of the Philippines (UP), to join a growing movement demanding justice for Alyssa Alano, a student leader killed during a military operation in Negros Occidental.
Alano, a member of the UP Diliman University Student Council, was among those killed in an April 19, 2026 clash between government troops and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Toboso town. Her death has sparked a wave of protests across various UP campuses, with activists claiming she was on a peaceful community visit at the time of the incident.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Vargas expressed her grief and solidarity with the families of those who died in the Negros clash.
- Personal Tribute: “My heart is very heavy, but I went to my school to stand in unity,” Vargas wrote. She thanked Alano for her service to marginalized sectors, specifically farmers in rural communities.
- Public Appeal: The actress urged the public to remain respectful in their discussions. “Justice for Alyssa! Please be respectful in the comments as a sign of respect to the families of the deceased.”
- History of Activism: This is not the first time Vargas has used her platform for social causes; she has previously urged fellow artists to join protests against corruption.
The incident in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso resulted in the deaths of 19 people.
- Conflicting Narratives: While the military identified those killed as combatants, the UP Diliman Student Council maintains that Alano was in the area for a “community visit” to learn about local conditions amid heightened militarization.
- Other Victims: Among those reported killed was journalist RJ Nicholle Ledesma, further fueling the outcry from human rights and media advocacy groups.
The death of Alyssa Alano has triggered a series of demonstrations across the UP system:
- UP Baguio Walkout: Around 100 students staged a walkout protest, not only to condemn the killing of Alano but also to voice opposition to international conflicts, including the U.S. and Israel’s war on Iran.
- Candle-Lighting Ceremonies: Vigil activities have been held at UP Diliman, with students calling for an independent investigation into the April 19 military operation.
- Calls for Justice: Student councils are demanding accountability, arguing that student leaders and community workers are increasingly being targeted in anti-insurgency campaigns.
Tuesday Vargas’ participation highlights the continuing trend of Filipino celebrities engaging in political and social discourse. By standing with the students of her alma mater, Vargas brings mainstream attention to the human rights concerns in Negros Occidental and the ongoing debate over the treatment of community organizers in the Philippines.