The Philippine Army on Saturday, May 11, welcomed the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) investigation into the killing of eight civilians in a month, seven of whom were allegedly tagged as military spies by the New People’s Army (NPA).
Vincent Parra, CHR Bacolod, said they are investigating the killings because executing people is a violation of the right to life.
“We are conducting a parallel investigation on the killings that were supposed to have been admitted by the NPA,” he said.
“Even our courts cannot order the death penalty, killing cannot be justified on the allegation that they are military informers, it is a violation of the right to life,” Parra said.
The CHR-Bacolod is conducting a motu motu proprio investigation on the alleged liquidation of eight civilians in Negros Occidental from April to early May this year, seven of whom were tagged by the NPA as alleged spies or “military agents”, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said in a press release.
The 3ID said the NPA in press releases admitted 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.
MGen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, said the Army is in all-out support of the CHR’s efforts to uncover the truth behind recent killings of innocent civilians in Negros Occidental.
“We welcome any investigation that will shed light on these incidents and help bring justice for the victims and their families. The 3ID reaffirmed its dedication to working 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.
Sison said with the support and cooperation of the 3ID and CHR, we will ensure that justice is served, human rights are protected, and peace is restored in Negros Occidental.*