Rights body probes deadly Negros clash

THE COMMISSION on Human Rights (CHR) said it has launched an investigation into an April 19 armed encounter in Negros Occidental that left 19 people dead and forced hundreds of residents to flee.

The probe aims to establish the circumstances of the clash in the village of Salamanca, Toboso, including the identities of those killed and whether the use of force complied with human rights and humanitarian standards.

“Allegation of unlawful killing or violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law require a prompt, effective, impartial and independent investigation,” the CHR said in a statement.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said troops from the 79^th Infantry Battalion engaged members of the New People’s Army in what it described as a legitimate, intelligence-driven operation that neutralized a top rebel commander.

Human rights groups have disputed this account, describing the incident as a massacre and saying the fatalities included civilians, among them a 15-year-old girl and several activists.

“The determination of status, circumstances of engagement and proportionality must be based on verifiable facts and due process,” the CHR said.

The rights body said inconsistencies remain in the identification of the victims, particularly in the cases of student leader Alyssa G. Alano and community journalist RJ Nichole L. Ledesma.

It added that its Negros Island Region office has been mobilized to coordinate with local authorities and families in retrieving the remains of those killed.

Local officials said the violence displaced hundreds of residents. In a Facebook post, Toboso Mayor Richard M. Jaojoco said that as of April 19, at least 653 people from 168 households in the villages of Salamanca and San Jose were staying in evacuation centers after the 12-hour gun battle.

The CHR called on authorities to ensure adequate humanitarian assistance and protection for affected communities.

“The commission calls on authorities to ensure adequate humanitarian assistance, protection from further displacement, and access to basic services in line with human rights and humanitarian standards,” it said.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict said two American nationals were among those killed in the encounter, raising concerns over possible foreign involvement.

In a separate statement, the task force urged Filipinos abroad to remain vigilant and avoid activities that could expose them to risks linked to insurgency-related operations. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking