4 slain HR advocates mingling with rebels?

KABACAN, North Cotabato — Local authorities said the four members of a human rights group killed in Saturday’s encounter with soldiers in Arakan, North Cotabato had long been mingling with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area.

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division, based in Cotabato City, has stood firm in its earlier pronouncement that the victims — Benjaline Hernandez, 22, secretary-general of Karapatan; Crisanto Amora, 23; Vivian Andrade, 18; and Labaon Sinunday, 30 — were killed in a "legitimate encounter."

Maj. Julieto Ando, 6th ID spokesman, said soldiers were patrolling Barangay Kinayawan in Arakan, a hinterland town, to verify the presence of NPA guerrillas, led by a certain Commander Macao, when they chanced upon the rebels who opened fire first, triggering a running gunbattle

Local officials said they were surprised why Hernandez and her companions were with the NPA, which has long been terrorizing farming communities in far-flung villages in Arakan, enforcing taxation and a "kangaroo" justice system.

Philippine Independent Church Bishop Felixberto Calang, chairman of Karapatan, said there were signs that Hernandez and the other victims were summarily executed.

Karapatan, in a press statement, said Hernandez was involved in a study on the plight of impoverished communities in Arakan.

Still, provincial officials questioned the propriety of Hernandez’s association with communist rebels in the booming agricultural town.

Some Arakan officials said they were unaware of Karapatan’s research project.

Karapatan said Hernandez’s study focused on the impact of the peace process on Arakan communities.

"What was very surprising was why were they mingling with the NPA? There are so many questions that have to be answered. Let us look at all angles, not just on the allegations that they were allegedly executed by soldiers," said a Christian religious leader in Kidapawan City.

Ando said firearms, subversive documents and boxes of ammunition for assault rifles were found at the scene of the encounter.