PNP ready to cooperate in probe into Bohol clash with NPA

Philippine National Police (File photo dated Feb. 20, 2024)

MANILA, Philippines — The Police Regional 7 (Central Visayas) is ready to cooperate in any investigation related to the death of five suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during an encounter in Bilar, Bohol, last week and has likewise launched its probe into the case, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Citing PRO-7’s director, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo reiterated their previous statement, saying that the incident stemmed from a legitimate operation.

“I already talked to the regional director of PRO-7, and he already gave a directive to investigate this case so we can eliminate any doubt that this is only a fake accomplishment. He also assured that this is a legitimate operation that led to the death of one police officer and wounding of others and death of five suspected rebels,” Fajardo said in Filipino during a press briefing on Tuesday.

Reports revealed that one of the casualties was a bar passer, Hannah Jay Cesista. Although she passed the bar examination in 2022, her name was not among those on the Roll of Attorneys portal of the Supreme Court (SC).

The 26-year-old bar passer was tagged as an alleged member of NPA, who reportedly had a relationship with another member who was also killed during the same encounter, based on a Philippine Army report.

Other reports described her as a passionate youth activist who wanted to practice law beyond the confines of the courtroom to help the downtrodden and marginalized.

READ: Who was Hannah Jay Cesista, the Bar Passer killed in Bohol clash?

On a lighter note, the PNP earlier reported that over 15,000 rebels surrendered and joined the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (NTF-Elcac) Balik-Loob Program.

PNP chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said 15,092 rebel returnees surrendered from 2022 until January 31, 2024 through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

According to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), ECLIP “is a scheme that promotes reconciliation in a non-violent manner, which aims to provide a DILG-administered package of assistance” to former rebels and former violent extremists.

The program’s package covers “immediate assistance, provision of the reintegration process, a starting capital for livelihood, as well as remunerating surrendered firearms.”