CHR: ‘Resisting arrest’ claims must be put before the court

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) announced they will be investigating recent operations conducted by the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) that resulted in the deaths of 14 individuals.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said they have ordered the CHR Regional Office VII to probe the incident.

According to the agency official, “resisting arrest” claims needs to be tried before the court to ensure there were no lapses in police conduct and verify law enforcement was warranted to use deadly force.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director-General Oscar Albayalde, meanwhile, affirmed the operation was legitimate and NOrPPO, while attempting to serve 36 warrants, were ambushed by some of the suspects.

The PNP chief added, the Internal Affairs Service is also conducting its own investigation into the killings.

Over the weekend, NOrPPO operatives conducted “Oplan: Sauron” in order to serve search and arrest warrants against suspected members of the New People’s Army and their alleged supporters.

NOrPPO Director, Police Colonel Raul Tacaca, said eight of the fatalities were from Canlaon City, four from Manjuyod, and two from Santa Catalina.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of 15 people in Mabinay, while a police officer was wounded in the ensuing shootout.

Police also recovered 31 firearms from the operations./DGB, WDJ