The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into an armed encounter between government forces and the New People’s Army that resulted in the death of a 6-year-old boy.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:54 a.m. Tuesday in Sitio Matal-i, Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
Initial reports indicate that soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion were conducting an operation when an encounter with an undetermined number of Communist rebels, believed to be part of the Central Negros 1 (CN1), ensued, a NOCPPO press statement on Wednesday said.
The firefight was brief, with the rebels quickly withdrawing in a northwest direction, it said.
Tragically, during the exchange of fire, a 6-year-old boy, a resident of Sitio Inangaw, Barangay Quintin Remo, was fatally hit, the NOCPPO said.
Upon receiving the report, Moises Padilla policemen under PCapt. Armel L. Lasap immediately coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to respond to the site for verification and preliminary investigation.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team conducted a forensic examination on the victim’s remains.
PCol. Dennis Wenceslao, NOCPPO director, assured the public that they are committing all necessary resources to establish the full circumstances of the incident and ensure accountability.
“We deeply sympathize with the family of the young victim. NOCPPO will leave no stone unturned in ensuring a transparent and just investigation in coordination with the Philippine Army and all concerned agencies,” Wenceslao said.
The NOCPPO continues to collaborate closely with the 62nd Infantry Battalion and local government authorities to maintain peace and order in the area, stressing that the safety and welfare of civilians remain paramount, the press statement said.
SECURITY INTENSIFIED
The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has intensified security operations and coordination efforts in Moises Padilla following the encounter.
All hospitals and health facilities in the area have been alerted to watch for admission of wounded rebel members.
Nearby police stations were also placed on heightened alert to prevent possible diversionary tactics, with additional checkpoints and patrols set up in strategic areas to intercept the rebels’ movements.
ARMY STATEMENT
BGen. Jason V. Jumawan, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said, while in the area the government soldiers were attacked by Communist rebels, and the encounter that ensued resulted in the tragic death of a 6-year-old boy.
“The soldiers were compelled to defend themselves while remaining mindful of the civilians nearby. Their primary intent was to push the terrorists away from the populace and secure the community”, he said.
Jumawan said the rebels disregarded civilian safety.
“Since the CPP-NPA Terrorist members were in the area to extort from the residents, they were fully aware that the place was populated with innocent civilians. Yet, without hesitation or regard for civilian safety, they attacked the soldiers, clearly showing their disrespect for human life and disregard for the welfare of the people they exploit”, he said.
“We strongly condemn this inhumane and barbaric act of the CPP-NPA-NDF by attacking our troops in a populated area that endangered civilian lives.” Jumawan said.*