The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has denounced the recent attacks by alleged New People's Army (NPA) members in Jipapad, Eastern Samar where two soldiers died last Oct. 7.

Also, the CHR said it recognizes the sacrifices and courage of two other soldiers who were slain in clashes with suspected NPA members in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental last Oct. 8.



Based on reports, the CHR said Staff Sergeant John Claire Flores and Private First Class Mark Edupancho Siscar from the 52nd Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division were killed in the Eastern Samar attack.



It said the attack also injured two more soldiers from the same group, and a 10-year-old girl who was hit by a stray bullet.



The atrocities “deserve strong condemnation," the CHR said in a statement.



It said the CHR in Region VIII has started its own investigation to help attain justice for the fallen soldiers and their families.



"Even in a conflict situation, non-state agents are governed by International Humanitarian Law and have equal accountability with respect to human rights. We reiterate that no ideology nor circumstance can justify atrocious attacks that deliberately transgress the right the right to life, especially when innocent civilians are harmed," the CHR stressed.



"We deeply condole with the family and colleagues of the four fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives in fidelity to their mandate of ensuring peace and security in communities. The Commission also prays for the speedy recovery of the wounded soldiers and the young girl caught in the firefight," the CHR said.



It then called on concerned government agencies to ensure "swift accountability" against the perpetrators and to prevent heightened hostilities