By CESAR JOLITO III
The Commission on Human Rights in Negros Island Region (CHR-NIR) is validating claims and gathering evidence as they begin their motu proprio investigations into a series of killings allegedly carried out by the New People’s Army (NPA) in northern Negros Occidental, warning that the actual number of victims may be higher than initially reported.
“We are committed to uncovering the truth behind these killings, especially if they involve extrajudicial executions,” Vincent Parra, CHR-NIR Investigation Division chief, said.
Parra stressed that any violation of human rights will be pursued to the fullest extent.
The CHR-NIR is looking into the deaths of at least seven individuals in Negros Occidental municipalities of Toboso, Calatrava and E.B. Magalona, as well as the cities of Victorias and Himamaylan.
These incidents are suspected to be executions by the NPA, reportedly targeting individuals accused of being military informants.
In separate press statements, the NPA’s local commands have claimed responsibility for a number of killings between March and July, including those of Efren Solinap (E.B. Magalona); Rickne Daipal, Jury Gani, Elias Palay, Putot Alsado, Isagani Imalay, and Enrique Virtucio (Toboso); Tolindoy Nepalar (Calatrava); and Jesmer Pacunla (Himamaylan).
The rebel group justified their actions, claiming the victims were “legitimate targets” for allegedly acting as intelligence assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
They stated that such individuals are part of what they called the “fascist war machinery” of the government.
The CHR has reiterated its call for all armed groups to respect international humanitarian law and human rights standards, warning that targeting civilians — regardless of accusations — may constitute a war crime.
The killings mirror a troubling pattern of violence that has plagued Negros for years, with earlier incidents, such as the 2018 Sagay massacre and the 2023 assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, still fresh in public memory.
4 killings in one week
Meanwhile, Toboso Mayor Richard Jaojoco condemned the string of killings in his town — four of which happened in just one week — and urged for an immediate stop to the violence.
“We cannot allow these senseless killings to continue. Our people deserve to live in peace without fear,” Jaojoco said.
Meanwhile, Colonel Rainerio de Chavez, director of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), denounced what he called the “brutal killings” committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA in Calatrava and Toboso.
“These heinous acts are desperate efforts by this terrorist group to regain relevance and instill fear,” De Chavez said.
“They aim to revive their extortion operations by intimidating peaceful communities,” he added.
He assured the public that the police, in coordination with the AFP and local government units, are intensifying counter-insurgency operations and intelligence monitoring in affected areas.
Additional personnel have also been deployed to boost visibility and ensure safety.
De Chavez called on residents to be vigilant, avoid supporting armed groups, and report suspicious activities to authorities.
“Your cooperation is vital in ensuring that these threats are neutralized swiftly,” the NOCPPO director said.
“Despite these incidents, we remain in full control of the peace and order situation in the province,” he added./CJ, WDJ