Army welcomes CHR probe vs NPA members over man’s slay in Leyte

Map of Leyte province. INQUIRER.net

TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Army in Leyte has welcomed the investigation being conducted by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in relation to the killing of a man by alleged members of the New People’s Army.

A team from the regional CHR went to the village of Binibihan in Carigara town last Monday (May 30) to start their probe on the killing of Jesus Sarcilla on December 7, 2021.

The incident was witnessed by the daughter of the victim and was purportedly perpetrated by a group of rebels led by Juanito Sellesa or  “Ka Tibor.”

Col. Noel Vestuir, the commanding officer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade which is based in Ormoc City, Leyte, said he appreciates the probe of the CHR involving the killing by the rebels of a civilian, saying it was a clear violation of the international humanitarian law (IHL).

“The promotion, adherence, and respect of human rights is the utmost responsibility of every soldier. Thus, assisting the CHR in the implementation of the provisions of IHL and RA 9851 is a sworn duty of individual soldiers so as to protect the life and properties of civilians from a terrorist act of the  Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army—National Democratic Front,” he said in a statement.

RA 9851 penalizes crimes against IHL and other crimes against humanity.

The CHR team, led by Raquel Barastas, said that aside from providing financial assistance, they want that justice will be served to the family and prosecute those behind his killing.

Vestuir had earlier said that he is serious in quelling the insurgency problem in Leyte as he called on the civilians to help them by not allowing themselves to be used by the rebels.

RELATED STORY

Military in S. Leyte towns retrieve cache of firearms allegedly owned by NPA