Lawmakers back impartial probe of Negros Occidental encounter

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BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — More lawmakers are supporting calls for a thorough and impartial investigation into the deaths of 19 people in an encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental.

Aside from members of the Makabayan bloc, Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez of the third district of Negros Occidental also filed a resolution asking appropriate House committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the armed encounter that occurred in Barangay Salamanca on April 19.

Among the fatalities in the firefight were two American activists, a student leader and a party-list group nominee.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) insisted that the military operation was legitimate.

The inquiry will provide a proper forum and opportunity for all parties to present their version of the incident, submit reports and clarify accounts surrounding the firefight, Benitez said.

In filing House Resolution 968, Benitez noted that conflicting and opposing narratives that have emerged following the incident necessitate an impartial investigation, to establish an accurate account of facts.

Results of the investigation may provide insights and information for the crafting of appropriate legislative measures that will address and prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Senators Risa Hontiveros and Kiko Pangilinan have expressed support for an impartial probe, although no similar resolution has been filed yet in the Senate.

Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman yesterday condemned incidents of red-tagging, harassment and intimidation allegedly by members of state forces on students and other people doing field work.

The UP committee on the protection of academic freedom and human rights said it has received reports of red-tagging and harassment among students doing research in rural communities. 

The committee said that fieldwork is an important part of the curriculum for natural and social science courses.