• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is investigating five cases of New People’s Army (NPA)-related killings in different areas of Negros Island, its regional officer-in-charge Gazzelenne Corsame-Fuentes said yesterday.
Fuentes, however, said she could not yet specify the places of incidents.
In separate issued statements, the NPA claimed responsibility for the deaths of at least 10 civilians they accused as military informants in Toboso, Calatrava, Cadiz City, Victorias City, E.B. Magalona and Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental, and Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental in the past several months.
Authorities have condemned the series of summary killings.
Fuentes said they will look into other alleged rebel-initiated killings aside from the five cases they are investigating.
The motu proprio investigations will look into the killings to determine facts and circumstances behind the deaths of the victims, she added.
Fuentes said they are mandated to seek assistance from appropriate government agencies, including the police and other law enforcement units, in the course of the investigations.
Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, Philippine Army 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, earlier vowed to pursue justice for the victims of the terror campaign of the NPA remnants.
Escanillas said the perpetrators must be held accountable for their crimes.
“We will relentlessly pursue justice for the victims and their families. No effort will be spared in bringing these criminals to justice. The rule of law will prevail,” he added. | GB
