CHR conducts own probe on Legazpi City ambush

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday said that it has started its own initial investigation on the ambush involving members of the Philippine Army and of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Legazpi City, Albay, which killed three soldiers.

In a statement, CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline De Guia said that the CHR-Region V started to conduct its own probe.

De Guia added that the CHR condemned the ambush.

“While every individual has the absolute right to believe or subscribe to any ideology, the right to act in accordance with one’s belief cannot be absolute,” she said.

“Individual conduct remains subject to laws and regulation of the State, which may even include prohibition of certain acts for the protection of society,” she added.

Members of the NPA-Santos Binamera Command took responsibility for the deaths of Army members Corporal Joemar Maravilla, Private First Class Ronald Zamora, and Private First Class Reymar Palencia during the ambush on Sunday.

The soldiers, who are members of the Philippine Army’s 31st Infantry Battalion, were attacked by suspected rebels while traveling to the Legazpi City police station on a motorcycle.

De Guia added that the CHR sends its deepest condolences to the loved ones of the victims.

“We condemn acts of senseless violence and hopes that similar atrocities such as this ambush will be put to an end,” she said.

CFC