Amid the word war triggered by opposing claims on what really happened in Taboso, Negros Occidental, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has initiated an investigation to determine whose side is telling the truth on the circumstances that led to the death of 19 people on April 19.

Various groups that include some groups in the UP academic community, have been calling for a thorough investigation into the matter as they asserted that student leader Alyssa Alano was not a combatant and was in the area for a research on abuses on local farmers.

The same assertion was also raised for community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma.

On the other hand, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) asserted that it was a legitimate encounter and pointed out that it is ready to present proof in the proper forum that Alano for instance was armed and was seen trading shots with soldiers.

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, a product of UP College of Law, also echoed the statement of the AFP questioning what Alano was doing in an encounter site and why she was with communist rebels.

And amid these claims and counter-claims, the CHR vows to uncover the truth, “The CHR, through its office in the Negros Island Region, has initiated an independent investigation.”

“Either of the claims require thorough, independent verification. Determination of status, circumstances of engagement, and proportionality must be based on verifiable facts and due process. In case of doubt, persons shall be presumed civilians,” it added.

It said the information they initially obtained revealed results in coordination with civil society organizations, local authorities, and security forces, including working with the families for the retrieval of the remains in Toboso and Escalante.

But this early, the CHR disclosed inconsistencies in the identities of those dead—matters that will be explored at the course of the probe.

The CHR then called on all parties to cooperate fully with the investigation, preserve evidence, ensure unimpeded access to information and sites, and comply strictly with IHL and human rights standards.

But beyond the claims and counterclaims on what really happened, the CHR said the deadly Taboso clash underscores the continuing human cost of armed conflict, particularly in marginalized communities such as those in Negros.

“Addressing the root causes of conflict, which include poverty, inequality, and land issues, remain essential to sustainable peace, grounded in strict adherence to human rights and the IHL (International Humanitarian Law),” the CHR said.

Right now, the CHR said its concern is on the reports that hundreds of residents were displaced as a result of the clash.

“The Commission calls on authorities to ensure adequate humanitarian assistance, protection from further displacement, and access to basic services, in line with human rights and humanitarian standards,” it said.