• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned the spate of killings in Negros Occidental, including the death of an elderly woman and several other civilians, allegedly perpetrated by members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
In a statement, the CHR said its regional office in Negros has launched motu proprio investigations into these incidents, parallel to the efforts of the Philippine National Police.
The CHR denounced the killing of Leonara Anguit, 74, in Brgy. Tapi, Kabankalan City, on Feb. 3, for which the NPA claimed responsibility. Three of the rebel suspects behind her death were later reported by the Philippine Army to have been killed in an encounter with soldiers of the 47th Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Tampalon, Kabankalan City.
CHR records also show that NPA rebels were allegedly involved in the killing of radio broadcaster Efren Solinap a few weeks ago, as well as the deaths of Jonhee Montoya, Jury Gani, Leonardo Nepalar, Joebert Alsado, and Elias Palay in recent months.
“We reiterate that no ideology can justify the taking of civilians’ lives. Such violence against an unarmed civilian constitutes a blatant violation of the fundamental right to life,” the CHR stated, stressing that perpetrators must be held accountable to the full extent of the law.
“These successive killings pose a grave threat to the right to life, the right to security in one’s home, and endanger the peace and safety of communities in the region,” it added.
The agency emphasized that even non-state actors are bound to respect international humanitarian law and human rights standards, including the obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants at all times. It also called on law enforcement agencies to undertake prompt and impartial investigations to ensure accountability and deliver justice to the victims’ families.
The CHR underscored the importance of coordinated action among duty-bearers to prevent further escalation of violence in the region.
Earlier, leaders of Sentrong Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa Bayan (Sambayanan)-Negros filed a request with CHR-NIR for an immediate and thorough investigation into alleged crimes against humanity, summary executions, and grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law perpetrated and claimed by the NPA. Sambayanan-Negros recorded 26 civilians killed by rebel remnants in Negros Occidental in 2025, with each incident reportedly justified through similar “spy-tagging” accusations. | GB
