By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez has filed a resolution in the House of Representatives calling for a formal inquiry into the deadly armed encounter in Toboso town’s Barangay Salamanca.
House Resolution No. 968 directs the appropriate House committee to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the incident that occurred on April 19 involving government troops and suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
According to the resolution, the clash involved soldiers from the 79th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion under the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade.
Initial reports indicated that 19 individuals were killed in the encounter, including two United States nationals.
No casualties were reported on the side of government forces.
Benitez said the proposed inquiry aims to establish a clear and accurate account of the encounter amid conflicting narratives from various sectors.
The lawmaker emphasized the need for a neutral platform where all parties involved can present evidence, submit reports and explain their respective accounts.
“The goal is to determine the facts and ensure accountability, while also identifying possible legislative measures to prevent similar incidents in the future,” the resolution stated.
Full investigation
Meanwhile, two civil society groups are likewise calling for a full investigation into the deaths of about 45 civilians in Negros Island since January 2025.
The Buklod Kapayapaan Federation Inc. (BKFI) and the Center for Collaborative Solutions (CCS) said the victims were often labeled “military spies” by the NPA, which later claimed responsibility for their killings.
“Communities are already fed up by the series of summary killings being carried out under the guise of the so-called ‘revolutionary justice,’” CCS’ Edito Namion said.
“No individual or armed group has the right to act as judge, jury and executioner. Branding civilians as spies or informants, then killing them without trial, is a gross violation of human rights,” he added.
According to BKFI data, the victims include 11 farmers, 10 former and active barangay officials, and 16 residents aged 50 and above.
The oldest was 74-year-old Leonora “Leonor” Anguit, killed in Kabankalan City on February 3.
Namion said residents’ disclosure of the location of NPA operatives, led by Roger Fabillar alias Jong, sparked the Toboso clash on April 19.
Most killings allegedly conducted by Fabillar’s group occurred in northern Negros from January 2025 to April 2026, he added.
Both groups called for an impartial probe, protection for civilians, former rebels, and barangay officials, and stronger mechanisms for peaceful grievance resolution./CJ, WDJ