BACOLOD CITY – The Army 3rd Infantry Division (ID) said that they are open to any probe on the encounter that killed six members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental last week.
“We are confident, and we firmly believe that the said encounter was a legitimate one,” the 3rd ID said in a statement.
Six members of the Samahang Yunit Propaganda, Southwest Front (SWF)-Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS) were killed in a clash in Purok Lubi, Barangay Tabugon with troops of the 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) responding to a report on the presence of armed persons in the area.
The Army said that in the conduct of combat operations, military troopers are reminded to always observe and abide by the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Rule of Law.
They said that those who died in the encounter were top cadres of the NPA who were tagged in several atrocities in southern Negros.
The Army said that they welcome any inquiry on the skirmish by any independent party as the result of the investigation will eventually clear them from allegations of human rights violations.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in the province said that it will conduct an independent probe on the incident.
Major Gen. Marion Sison, 3rd ID commander, said the public should be more discerning about the NPA’s narratives as they considered it as mere propaganda designed to discredit security forces and ignite the ire of the people against the government.
He assured that the 3rd ID shall remain true and committed in their mission to uphold the freedom, protect human rights, and secure the people in their area of responsibility.
Kabankalan Mayor Benjie Miranda, in a statement, noted that each person has a role in spreading peace, hope, and unity in society.
“People need peace now more than ever in the city and the province to face common problems and challenges,” he said.