By CESAR JOLITO III
Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javi Benitez said he will no longer push for a congressional inquiry into the April 19 encounter in Negros Occidental’s Toboso town that left 19 people dead, saying ongoing investigations by proper authorities should proceed without political interference.
“I earlier filed a resolution for inquiry in aid of legislation intended as a fact-finding measure. I will not push it forward,” Benitez said in a statement.
He said multiple probes are already being conducted by government agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights, making a separate congressional inquiry unnecessary at this time.
The lawmaker said justice would be best served by allowing institutions tasked with investigating the incident to complete their work independently.
Benitez also expressed sympathy to the families of those killed in the Toboso encounter, saying every life lost in the incident mattered.
He, meanwhile, commended the efforts of the 79th Infantry Battalion, the 3rd Infantry Division, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their operations in Negros against insurgency, describing the armed conflict in the province as a continuing reality affecting communities, farmers, teachers, and local officials.
Benitez also called on students, journalists and researchers visiting conflict-affected areas in Negros to coordinate with barangay officials, local government units, and their institutions for safety purposes.
The congressman emphasized that long-term peace in Negros would require not only security measures but also investments in livelihood opportunities, agriculture, tourism, education, and creative industries to address poverty and prevent insurgency from taking root in communities.
“Peace in Negros will not be won by force alone. Our people need two things in equal measure: protection and new sources of livelihood. Where there is no opportunity, despair grows. And despair is what the insurgency feeds on. We have seen this pattern across generations,” Benitez said.
“Let us choose peace. Let us seek truth. Let us heal together,” he concluded./CJ, WDJ