• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
More lawmakers are supporting a thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths of 19 individuals during the armed encounter between rebel remnants and government troops in Toboso, Negros Occidental on April 19.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines maintains such was a legitimate encounter amid the opposing public narratives on the incident.
The latest to seek a probe is Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez, who filed a resolution directing the appropriate committee of the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the armed encounter.
“The inquiry will provide a proper forum and opportunity for all concerned parties to present their version of facts, submit reports, and clarify accounts surrounding the incident,” Benitez said.
In House Resolution 968, Benitez noted that conflicting and opposing public narratives have emerged, with varying assertions attributing responsibility for the incident to both deceased individuals and members of the Philippine Army, necessitating an impartial investigation to establish an accurate account of the facts.
He added: “The results of such investigation may provide insights and information as possible basis for an appropriate legislative measure to address and prevent similar incidents, as well as related concerns from happening in the future, should any arise.”
Senators Risa Hontiveros and Francis Pangilinan also support the impartial probe, although no similar resolution was filed in the Senate.
Hontiveros, who was in Negros Occidental on April 28, said she is supporting the full, objective and impartial probe of the Commission on Human Rights to determine the real truth on what had really transpired.
Pangilinan sought “a swift, independent, and credible investigation into what really happened in Salamanca”.
“We want to establish the full truth, clarify the status of those who died, and hold accountable anyone who may have violated the law,” he added. | GB
