By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has already begun its investigation into the recent encounters between government forces and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members in northern Negros.

CHR-Negros Occidental head Vincent Parra said the probe that they are conducting is specifically centered on the two fatalities from the encounters — Jose Caramihan, whose family denied that he was part of the alleged rebel movement; and Emaren Pastidio, the lone female fatality, an alleged high-ranking NPA member.

The initial information revealed that Caramihan’s family claimed that he was only a farmer.

Meanwhile, Pastidio’s case will ascertain whether her rights, as recognized by the Gender and Development Ombud under the Magna Carta of Women, have been violated.

The CHR is gathering additional statements and evidence regarding the clashes.

They are also trying to get in touch with the families of the two fatalities.

Meanwhile, the ninth encounter in the series of clashes between the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB) and suspected NPA members believed to be remnants of the dismantled Northern Negros Front took place yesterday morning.

According to the 79IB, the encounter took place in the hinterland areas of Escalante City.

Following the new encounter, Escalante Mayor Melecio Yap, Jr. again ordered the suspension of classes at all levels in the villages of Libertad, Pinapugasan, Binaguiohan, Paitan, Dian-ay, Magsaysay, Malasibog, and Tamlang until further notice.

As of this writing, the 79IB has yet to release any new information regarding the new clash./DGB, WDJ