CHR starts probe on Negros killing

CEBU, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights has taken cognizance over the case of two men allegedly killed by members of the 79th Infantry Battalion in Negros Oriental for being alleged members of the New People’s Army.

Virginia Ragin, the mother of 26-year-old Ronel Ragin and Alejandrina Quirante, wife of farmer Julito Quirante, yesterday formally sought the help of CHR over the deaths of their family members.

The bodies of Ronel and Julito were found buried in barangay Hunob, Sta. Catalina, a town in the southern part of Negros Oriental. Their bodies were found after residents in the area complained of a foul smell. After exhumation last March 9, the bodies of the two men were found bound with their mouths gagged with cloth.

Quirante was a member of the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Sta. Catalina while Ragin was part of the Talalak United Farmers Association. Ronel and Julito reportedly did not know each other, their families said.

Primo Cadampog, supervising investigator of CHR said complaint against 79th IB would have to be properly looked into before any action would be taken against the military group.

Cadampog said the central office of CHR may assist the complaining parties financially should circumstances of the case warrant.

Vimarie Arcilla, press relations officer of Karapatan, the group helping the families of Quirante and Ragin said that prior to their deaths, both men were reportedly subjected to questioning by members of the 79th IB.

Members of the military group were reportedly often seen near the houses of Ronel and Julito.

Arcilla said they have one witness willing to testify against the 79th IB should a formal case be filed against the military group.

Alejandrina sought police help last January 31 after Julito failed to return home. Julito reportedly told her he would go to their relatives’ house to trade some farm goods but Alejandrina’s fears developed when her husband never reached the house of their relatives.

Ragin, meanwhile, went missing last February 1. — AJ A. dela Torre/JMO (THE FREEMAN)