Philippine Army asks CHR: Investigate Negros Occidental killings

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Army here had urged the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the recent killings in Cauayan town, Negros Occidental, among other violent acts by the New People’s Army rebels.

Brigadier General Reynaldo Mutiangpili, acting commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said authorities will file charges against the perpetrators, and that “these unlawful killings and blatant violation of human rights and the International Humanitarian Law of the NPA must be stopped.”

Mutiangpili said “the democratic government and the Filipino people want a justice system that is not served through killings,” as he assured the public that the military will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to bring peace and development to the people in the hinterlands.

The Philippine Army officials also called on the stakeholders to condemn those who have been advocating violence and using firearms against civilians.

Last week, two members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit were shot to death in separate incidents in Cauayan town. Romualdo Dollente, 54, of Barangay Poblacion was killed on November 30 while Rene Villar, 47, of Camalandaan Village, was shot dead on December 1.

Colonel Francisco Delfin, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade, said the inhumane acts of the NPA must be condemned to full extent. “The attack on non-combatants is clearly a violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law,” he said.

“While the NPA took responsibility for the killings, they should bring those culprits from within their ranks to the courts of law. Any issue against their victims should be brought to the proper court and let them answer to our proper judicial system,” Delfin said. (FREEMAN)