The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is going to lead its own investigation on the ambush of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) allegedly carried out by the New People’s Army on January 17, 2021 at Purok 2 Extension, Brgy. 66-Banquerohan, Legazpi City.
The ambush led to the deaths of Cpl. Joemar Maravilla, PFCs Ronald Zamora and Reymar Palencia, and injured another soldier - Sgt. Ferdinand Ignas.
"In the pursuit of justice and truth, CHR, through its office in Region Office V, has started to conduct its initial investigation into the incident," said CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia.
The CHR strongly condemned the incident of violence, which it has deemed as "senseless." As the CHR sent its condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, it expressed hope that similar atrocities will no longer take place in the future.
"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. Individual conduct remains subject to laws and regulation of the State, which may even include prohibition of certain acts for the protection of society," said De Guia.
"Thus, all are called upon to abide by the general principles of International Humanitarian Law and domestic laws of the country - State and non-State forces alike," she added.