CHR to investigate Samar ambush allegedly involving NPA

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will conduct an independent probe into the recent ambush in Borongan, Eastern Samar, that allegedly involved members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

In a statement issued on Saturday, CHR spokesperson  Jacqueline De Guia said that the commission “strongly condemns” the ambush, and denounces “such act of deliberate and arbitrary killing.”

“The Commission will immediately conduct an independent investigation of the case, especially that there were reports claiming that students were involved in the incident,” De Guia said.

It was earlier reported that the armed rebels ambushed a police patrol car, killing a police officer and injuring five others.

A pedicab was also reported to be following the car, Its passengers were also reportedly injured. The gunfire and explosion also reportedly killed a three-year-old boy.

READ: Cop, 3-year-old boy killed, 8 others wounded in NPA ambush in Samar

De Guia said that the “continuing cycle of violence” happening across the country demanded a long-term and durable solution.

“With the ongoing talks between the government and the communist group to continue peace negotiations next year, the Commission is hopeful that the result of this agreement will mark the beginning of lasting peace in the Philippines,” the CHR spokesperson said, referring to President Rodrigo Duterte’s previous statement that the government would once again open its doors of peace negotiations with the communist groups.

READ: Duterte gives peace talks with CPP another shot

“We express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the fallen policeman and other victims of this violent attack,” she added.

/atm