• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is taking action against the killings of civilians accused by the New People’s Army (NPA) as “military informants”.
Since April, the NPA, in separate statements, claimed responsibility for the deaths of nine civilians, whom they supposedly punished for counter revolutionary activities.
“This could be a violation of the right to life allegedly committed by non-state actors,” Vicente Parra, head of the CHR in Negros Occidental, said.
Parra said that they will conduct motu proprio investigations into the series of killings, citing a provision in the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that “everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person.”
The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), which repeatedly condemned the murder of innocent civilians, welcomed the CHR probe.
“We welcome any investigation that will shed light on these incidents and help bring justice for the victims and their families,” Maj Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said.
He added that they will work closely with the CHR to ensure the investigation is thorough, impartial and transparent.
“By cooperating fully with the CHR’s probe, the military aims to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to accountability and respect for human rights,” Sison said.
He stressed that “with the support and cooperation of the 3ID and the CHR, we will ensure that justice is served, human rights are protected, and peace is restored in Negros Occidental”.
The NPA has claimed the killings of Danny Boy Bartolome of Sitio Paho, Camandag, La Castellana town on April 11; barangay tanod Alexander Alquizar of Proper Lagaan, Calatrava town on April 20; Myrna Bilando of Sitio Duga-anon, Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City on April 21; Jun Habagat of Sitio Cagay, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City on April 24; Albert “Tongkai” Golez of Sitio Cuyawyaw, Barangay Inolingan, Moises Padilla town on April 24; Ritoy Pedro of Sitio Kamanggahan, Barangay Amontay, Binalbagan on April 28; and barangay tanod Donie Baculi of Sitio Bactolon, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City on May 3.
On May 9, the NPA’s Leonardo Panaligan Command issued another statement claiming responsibility for the death of a 38-year-old resident in Sitio Naube, Barangay Puso, La Castellana, which they claimed to have been involved in a sexual-related crime.
The police said that the victim, who is a person with disability, was shot at his house Thursday night. | GB
