CHR probes 'NPA's killings' in Negros provinces

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has started its own probe into two separate killings which the New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed responsibility. In a statement, the CHR said that “no ideology or circumstance can justify the brazen violation of the right to life.” The commission was referring to the killings of farmer Danilo Bedaja and carpenter Armando Bador in two separate incidents on Negros Island. It said that members of the Leonardo Panaligan Command (LPC) of the NPA Central Negros Guerilla Front claimed responsibility for the killing of Bedaja in Barangay Macagahay, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental on April 9. It said that based on reports, Bedeja left his house and went to the farm. His son heard gunshots from a distance and later saw his father lying on the ground. Bedeja ultimately succumbed to multiple gunshot injuries. The LPC, through its spokesperson, claimed that the slain farmer engaged in theft and land-grabbing activities and owned an illegal firearm that he allegedly used to intimidate other residents. It also alleged that farmer had been asked to leave the place in 2016 but returned a few years later to reportedly continue his activities against the people. In the case of Babor who was killed last April 11 in Barangay Mani-ak, Guihulngan City, LPC claimed that carpenter was used as an asset of the military in various operations.  It said it had warned Babor in 2021 and 2022 but he did not heed the precautions. "In the cases of the slain farmer and carpenter, the rule of law dictates that persons who allegedly committed any crime must be afforded due process and, if guilty, be punished also according to law," the CHR said. "And so a crime committed by a person or any group, even guised in pursuit of a good, must be similarly pursued in the interest of justice and universal respect for human rights," it said. Aside from its probe, the CHR urged “local authorities to pursue the perpetrators of this latest killings in keeping with the rule of law and the defense of its citizens' human rights." At the same time, it called for the strengthening of multi-sectoral initiatives that address the root causes of conflict and insurgency in the region. "Promoting sustainable development must go hand in hand with peace and security efforts to nurture a society where all people’s rights are enjoyed and protected," the CHR said.