CHR to probe killings in four Negros LGUs

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BACOLOD CITY — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) office in Bacolod City will conduct a moto proprio investigation on a series of killings in Negros Occidental, particularly in the towns of Toboso, Calatrava, EB Magalona and Victorias City.

Vincent Parra, head of the Investigation Division of the CHR Island-Negros Island Region, made the announcement on July 3 after four civilians were killed in recent months, most of them allegedly targeted by the New People’s Army (NPA) in the belief that they were government informants.

Parra said that the CHR-Bacolod is in transition to the CHR-Negros Island Region, where all the cases and requirements are being handled and placed properly.

Meanwhile, Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco said that the killings should stop.

The NPA had admitted all the killings in Toboso for the same reason — that the victims were suspected of being intelligence officers or drug pushers. Jaojoco said the NPA’s Roselyn Jean Pelle command owned up to the killings.

The municipal government is coordinating with the barangay captains, the military and the police to formulate sustainable plans to sustain peace and order in Toboso, said Jaojoco.

Col. Rainerio de Chavez of Negros Occidental police condemned the “brutal killings perpetrated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army in the municipalities of Calatrava and Toboso.”

“These heinous acts are nothing more than desperate attempts by this terrorist group to gain attention from the government, sow fear among innocent civilians and reassert their presence in areas where they have already suffered tremendous losses,” he said.

By targeting communities through intimidation and violence, they seek to revive their extortion schemes and disrupt the lives of peaceful residents, de Chavez said.

“We assure the public that intensified investigations are currently under way to identify and bring to justice those responsible for these cowardly attacks,” said de Chavez.

The Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and local government units (LGUs), is strengthening its counterinsurgency operations, enhancing intelligence efforts and deploying more personnel in affected areas, revealed de Chavez.

“We urge all residents to stand against violence, stop supporting these lawless elements and report any sightings or suspicious activities to the nearest police station,” he said.

“Your cooperation is vital in ensuring that these threats are neutralized swiftly,” de Chavez added.

Despite these isolated incidents, the Negros Occidental Police remains in full control of the peace and order situation in the province, he said.

“We will not allow terror and violence to define our communities. Together, with an empowered citizenry, we will continue to uphold the rule of law and protect the safety and well-being of every Negrense,” he added.

The NPA, in separate press statements, claimed the killing of Efren Solinap in Barangay Consing, EB Magalona, on March 11; Rickne Daipal in Barangay General Luna, Toboso, on April 15; Jury Gani of Barangay Tabun-ac, Toboso, on May 14; Tolindoy Nepalar in Calatrava on June 18; Elias Palay and Putot Alsado in Barangay San Isidro, Toboso, on June 22; Jesmer Pacunla in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, on June 24; Isagani Imalay in Barangay Bandila, Toboso, on June 26; and Enrique Virtucio in Barangay General Luna, Toboso, on July 1.

“Spies or intelligence assets are legitimate targets of the NPA being an integral part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines fascist war machinery,” the NPA said.