Umarangkada ang panawagan para sa isang independent investigation matapos ang madugong engkwentro noong April 19 sa Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental na ikinasawi ng 19 katao, habang inanunsyo ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR) na nagsimula na ito ng sariling imbestigasyon.
“CHR expresses grave concern over the reported armed encounter on 19 April 2026 in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, Negros Occidental, which resulted in the death of at least 19 individuals, including student leader Alyssa Alano and community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma,” pahayag ng ahensya.
“The CHR, through its office in the Negros Island Region, has initiated an independent investigation. Information from local human rights advocates prompted 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,” dagdag nito.
Kasabay nito, ilang grupo ang nanawagan ng hiwalay at malayang imbestigasyon sa operasyon ng military.
“We want to know the truth, what really happened that day. We want a truly independent investigation into what happened because we do not believe those 19 individuals were just killed like chickens,” ani Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay.
Tinawag din ng Karapatan ang insidente bilang isang “massacre” at kinuwestyon ang paggamit umano ng “excessive force” sa operasyon.
Ayon sa Philippine Army, isang “legitimate military operation” ang nangyari at iginiit na mga miyembro ng New People’s Army (NPA) ang mga nasawi. Gayunman, kinilala ng UP Diliman University Student Council si Alyssa Alano bilang isa sa mga biktima, habang tinukoy ng Altermidya Network si RJ Ledesma bilang bahagi ng kanilang hanay.
Binigyang-diin ng CHR ang “inconsistencies in the identities of those dead.”
“Either of the claims requires thorough, independent verification,” ayon sa CHR.
Dagdag pa nito, “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.”
Ipinunto rin ng CHR ang obligasyon sa ilalim ng International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
“Parties must distinguish between combatants/fighters and civilians/civilian objects. Indiscriminate attacks are prohibited, and civilians are protected unless they directly participate in hostilities.”
Nanawagan ang CHR sa lahat ng panig na makipagtulungan sa imbestigasyon.
“The Commission calls on all parties to cooperate fully with the CHR investigation, preserve evidence, ensure unimpeded access to information and sites, and comply strictly with IHL and human rights standards.” /Bistado