By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The families of soldiers and civilians who were killed during encounters or murdered by the insurgents of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental are calling on human rights groups and advocates for support.
In a press conference of the Provincial Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City yesterday morning, Loremie Camilan, the widow of Staff Sergeant Ken Camilan, gave her testimony on the grief she experienced about the loss of her husband.
The staff sergeant, an intelligence officer of the 47th Infantry Battalion, was one of two soldiers slain by the NPA in Sipalay City’s Barangay Camindangan in November last year.
“Every soldier has a family, and when they are compromised in the line of duty, it leaves a part that can never be filled. It is only by striving for peace and cooperation that we can hope to prevent further loss and suffering on all sides, where life is being valued and protected,” Loremie said.
She expressed her disappointment with the human rights groups who have allegedly refused to acknowledge the sacrifices of her husband and other fallen members of the Philippine Army.
Loremie said she did not feel the presence of human rights advocates.
She added that her family didn’t even receive condolences from them.
Rochie Resotay, the widow of Eliseo Resotay, was not able to hold her emotions during the press conference.
Resotay said her husband, a former overseas Filipino worker and farmer, was mistakenly identified by the NPA as an Army informant.
He was murdered by the armed group in Calatrava town’s Barangay Minapasuk in August of this year, after he implored them to stop killing civilians.
The NPA’s Roselyn Jean Pelle Command later claimed to be responsible for Resotay’s death.
In response to their calls, Vincent Parra, head of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Negros Occidental, said they will conduct a motu proprio investigation, and will coordinate with the families of the civilians that were allegedly slain by the NPA.
Parra said they are looking into the cases with the assistance of the local government units, even without a complainant.
The CHR-NegOcc also provided financial aid to the families.
Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, during the press conference, called on the stakeholders to “bring an end to violence and conflict, and cultivate an environment where dialogue and understanding can overcome hostility.”
“The cycle of violence, the destruction of civilian properties, and the loss of innocent lives only deepen the wounds of our society and hinder the progress we collectively work for,” Lacson said.
Major General Marion Sison, 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander, said government troops are working hard to protect the Negrenses from the NPA.
“Not only the military and the Philippine National Police’s solution is needed to maintain peace and security, but the whole-of-government approach,” Sison said.
Meanwhile, the 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IBde) confirmed that the NPA had killed a total of 51 individuals in Negros Occidental this year.
Brigadier General Orlando Edralin, 303IBde commander, said of the number, 34 were civilians, five were soldiers, three were former rebels, and a police officer.
Edralin said most victims were mistakenly identified as informants of government forces, while others were victims of the NPA’s purge.
Earlier, Edralin and Sison visited Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of the Diocese of San Carlos on Sunday, October 8, for discussions on strengthening the military’s program on local peace engagement.
The Army officials sought blessings and support for peace and development efforts in Negros Island./With reports from PNA / DGB, WDJ