Vince Francis Dingding, a former University of the Philippines Cebu student leader, was killed on May 16, 2026, during clashes in Cauayan, Negros Occidental. He is now being remembered for his advocacy work.
Vince Francis “Ding” Dingding graduated from UP Cebu in 2016 with a degree in computer science. He served in leadership roles with the student group Nagkahiusang Kusog sa Estudyante, including as vice chairperson, and advocated for accessible education in state universities.
Dingding joined campaigns against the pork barrel system and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. His former organization noted that he linked student issues to the concerns of workers and peasants facing exploitation.
The Philippine Army reported that Dingding, identified as a former political instructor for a New People’s Army unit in Negros, was killed along with four others in encounters in Barangays Abaca and Poblacion. The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict described his death as a result of terror grooming and urged families and schools to watch for warning signs.
