CHR probes NPA-military skirmishes amid ceasefire declarations

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is set to investigate the recent skirmishes between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) to identify possible human rights violations.

The CHR admitted to receiving “confusing reports” on the incidents, which have marred the ceasefire declarations from both sides, which was set up to allow the government to focus on its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“These cases shall be investigated by our different CHR Regional Offices to our best ability so that the truth may identify possible human rights violations and eventually demand accountability before our laws,” CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said.

“We continue to call on both sides to respect their truce declarations and truly serve the people by not putting them in further danger in this time of COVID-19 pandemic,” she added.

According to De Guia, there are contradicting claims to whether it was really communist rebels that the Philippine Army fought last April 18. CHR noted that the exact location of the battle site is even in question.

Reports reaching the commission stated that on April 18, 2020, an encounter also ensued between the Philippine Army and NPA — although the exact location is still in question whether in  Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan, Miag-ao, Iloilo, as government claims, or in the adjacent Sitio Mayong, Barangay Tordesillas in Sibalom, Antique, as the communist rebels identified.

“Claims are also contradicting whether the lone casualty killed was an NPA member or an unarmed civilian member identified as John Farochilin, said to be an incumbent member of the Sangguniang Barangay of Barangay Onop; the Chairman of the Alyansa sang mga Mangunguma sa Miag-ao, and a Council Member of the peasants’ alliance Paghugpong sang mga Mangunguma sa Panay kag Guimaras,” said de Guia.

Just recently, CHR condemned an NPA attack in Rodriguez, Rizal last March 28, asking the rebel force to follow their own ceasefire declaration.  Days prior, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) announced a ceasefire declaration, ordering units to stand down and refrain from making offensives.

CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena previously told INQUIRER.net in a correction to a previous article that they have asked CHR chair Chito Gascon to look into the incident, as the CHR supposedly slammed NPA without even probing it.

The communist party also disputed reports from Balangiga’s local government unit that NPA rebels took relief aid intended for their residents, saying that it was generated from fake information.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte threatened a martial-law rule if NPA forces continue to attack military and government forces and convoys while the country is still gripping with the effects of COVID-19.

“It is unfortunate that, instead of channeling collective efforts in addressing the pandemic and extending help to communities most affected, initiatives are hampered with a series of cruelties triggered by armed conflict,” De Guia said.

“These acts of violence dilute the meaning of the ceasefire declarations and render them irrelevant in the communities, which are supposed to benefit most from the truce,” she added.

EDV