By CESAR JOLITO III
The 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has urged the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct a thorough investigation into a series of killings on Negros Island allegedly carried out by the New People’s Army (NPA).
In a statement, the 3ID reported that at least 28 individuals have been killed across Negros Island since March 2025, averaging about two fatalities per month.
Military officials stressed that the victims were civilians and non-combatants, including farmers, peasants and elderly residents.
“These killings are not isolated incidents but part of systematic attacks against ordinary citizens,” the 3ID said, emphasizing that those responsible must be held accountable.
The military appealed to the CHR to help ensure justice for the victims and their families through an independent investigation.
The most recent incident involved an elderly woman who was shot dead outside her home at Barangay Tapi in Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City on February 3.
The Army said the victim was allegedly linked to a previous armed encounter between government forces and NPA rebels in the same barangay in April 2025, which resulted in the deaths of seven communist fighters.
The 3ID strongly condemned the attacks, noting that each killing leaves communities grieving and traumatized.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to protect civilians, uphold the rule of law, and continue pursuing those behind the violence.
Negros Island has long been affected by insurgency-related incidents, but the Army said the recent string of civilian deaths underscores the urgent need for accountability and stronger protection for vulnerable communities.
Earlier, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Executive Director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres, Jr. described the series of killings as examples of “spy-tagging” — the labeling of target civilians as alleged military informants.
Torres said the practice has “historically preceded harassment, abduction and execution in areas where armed elements operate.”
“We have seen this deadly pattern before — accuse without proof, label without process, and eliminate without remorse,” Torres said in a statement.
“When individuals are publicly branded as ‘spies’ or ‘traitors’ without evidence or due process, it places their lives in clear and present danger,” he added.
From early to late last year, NTF-ELCAC recorded multiple cases involving farmers, laborers, tricycle drivers, barangay officials, forest guards, vendors, and community leaders who were killed after being labeled as informants.
Among those cited were Elberto Ancero Lubon, Cirilo Llena, Efren Solinap, Jonhee Montoya, Rickne Daipal, Jury Gane, Leonardo Nepalar, Jobert Alsado, Elias Palay, Jesmar Pacunla, Isagani Imalay, Enrique Bertucio, Jonestly Vallente Sr., Jessie Tinggab, Johnny Boy dela Fuente, Jerry Emia, Joshua Rabor, Anecito Mahinay, Danny “Gamay” Francisco, Maricel Pantajo, Ariel Calumboy, Joamie Peralta, Danilo Inglatera, Emong Kantala, and Michael Robel.
The NTF-ELCAC called for coordinated action to prevent further attacks, urging the Philippine National Police to intensify manhunts and case build-up, and the Department of Justice to fast-track inquests and prosecutions involving summary executions.
“We urge citizens to report threats, harassment, or so-called ‘trials’ being conducted in communities. Silence is dangerous. Silence gives killers time,” Torres said./ With reports from PNA / CJ, WDJ