By CESAR JOLITO III
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) asserted that the armed encounter in Negros Occidental’s Toboso town that killed suspected remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) was lawful, intelligence-driven and conducted in accordance with established rules of engagement.
In a statement, the AFP said claims that troops from the 79th Infantry Battalion “indiscriminately rained bullets” on civilians and students are false.
It clarified that the incident involved a legitimate armed encounter between government forces and the NPA.
“The Toboso encounter was a lawful combat operation against armed NPA elements, conducted with full adherence to the Constitution, rules of engagement, and international law,” the AFP said.
According to the military, the presence of seized firearms and the identification of alleged rebel leaders at the scene indicate a combat situation rather than an attack on unarmed civilians.
The AFP added that the operation was launched following verified civilian reports about armed individuals in the area.
The military also disputed accusations that the encounter was a form of “military repression” targeting a student conducting social research, saying those neutralized were part of an armed group engaged in hostilities against state forces.
The AFP further emphasized that the operation adhered to International Humanitarian Law and prioritized civilian protection throughout the engagement.
The military urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information online and to support fact-based discussions, emphasizing the importance of accountability, community protection, and long-term peace efforts.
On the issue of civilian displacement, the AFP confirmed that 168 families were temporarily evacuated but stressed that this was a coordinated safety measure carried out with local government units.
It noted that all affected residents have since returned safely to their homes.
Independent probe
Meanwhile, the Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) condemned the killing of 19 individuals during an encounter earlier this week.
In a statement, PAHRA calls on the Commission on Human Rights to lead an independent probe to establish the truth beyond military reports.
PAHRA asserts that “the right to life is non-negotiable and must be the primary lens in evaluating this incident.”
While state forces alleged that those killed were armed combatants, PAHRA reminds the government that an “allegedly armed” status is not a license for summary execution.
“Human rights are inherent and universal; they do not disappear in conflict. The state bears the burden of proof to show that this high fatality count was not the result of a policy that disregards due process,” the statement said.
PAHRA said any operation resulting in mass fatalities without capture warrants an immediate, transparent and independent investigation.
The normalization of lethal force as a response to dissent is a direct threat to the rights of every Filipino.
“True security can only be achieved through the upholding of justice, the strict implementation of Republic Act 9851, and the absolute protection of the people’s fundamental rights,” PAHRA said./CJ, WDJ