Bacolod City – The Commission on Human Rights is probing five cases killings in different areas of Negros Island linked to the New People’s Army, its regional officer-in-charge, Atty. Gazzelenne Corsame-Fuentes, disclosed recently.
Fuentes, however, said she could not provide the specific incidents, as the investigations are still underway.
The NPA has claimed responsibility for the deaths of at least 10 civilians they accused as military informants in Toboso, Calatrava, Cadiz City, Victorias City, E.B. Magalona and Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental, and Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental, through separate statements issued in the past several months.
The authorities have condemned the series of summary killings perpetrated and admitted by the NPA in Negros.
Fuentes said they will also look into other alleged rebel-initiated killings, aside from the five cases they are presently investigating.
Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, earlier vowed to pursue justice for the victims of the terror campaign of New People’s Army remnants in Negros Island, who have claimed and even boasted of the killings of civilians that they accuse as military spies.
Escanillas said the perpetrators must be held accountable for their crimes.
“We will relentlessly pursue justice for the victims and their families. No effort will be spared in bringing these criminals to justice. The rule of law will prevail,” he added.
Fuentes said their motu proprio investigations will look into the killings to determine facts and circumstances behind the deaths of the victims.
She added that they are mandated to seek assistance from appropriate government agencies, including the police and other law enforcement units, on their investigations into the alleged killings. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds)