The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday said it has launched a motu proprio probe on the recent killing of two soldiers and the wounding of three others during a clash with suspected communist rebels in Jipapad, Eastern Samar.
The CHR said that “no ideology nor circumstance” can justify the atrocious attacks and led to harm innocent civilians.
The soldiers killed in action were identified as Staff Sergeant John Claire Flores and Private First Class Mark Edupancho Siscar, the Army’s 8th Infantry Division said last October 8.
Among those wounded were Sergeant Allan Tallania and Private First Class Lou Mark Mengote. They were all from the 52nd Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division. A 10-year-old girl identified as Princess Norcio was also reported to have been wounded during the incident.
Government forces meanwhile have recovered a firearm and bomb-making materials from a New People’s Army (NPA) hideout following a brief firefight in the South Cotabato town of Lake Sebu, a military official said Thursday.
Lt. Col. Zandro Alvez, commander of the Philippine Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion, said the soldiers clashed with about 20 NPA rebels in Sitio Uhay, Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, on Wednesday.
“Our troops encountered NPA rebels under the Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR) led by Manuel Fernandez alias Bobo or Ampog,” Alvez said. Fernandez is the current secretary of the NPA’s FSMR, he said.
In a related development, AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro lauded the Cagayan De Oro-based 4th Infantry Division for their efforts in preserving the peace and ensuring development in their area of jurisdiction.
“Joint Task Force (JTF) Diamond (4th Infantry Division) has optimized its capabilities and managed its resources remarkably in ensuring that all its programs and goals support their primary mandate of securing Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region making them conducive to sustainable development,” Bacarro said in his speech during his visit to the 4th ID headquarters on Wednesday.
Bacarro was welcomed by 4th Infantry Division and JTF Diamond commander Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag. Bacarro was given updates on the current status of JTF Diamond’s peace and development programs during a command briefing with unit commanders.
The AFP chief also congratulated the “Diamond Troopers” for their gains against the New People’s Army insurgents in the area, as well as inaugurated a vital infrastructure project in the headquarters.
He also took the opportunity to reiterate his priority thrusts that shall serve as the military organization’s guide in accomplishing its mandate and advancing its transformation journey.
“I convey my pride and appreciation of the remarkable dedication and resolve of our ‘Diamond Troopers’ in keeping this part of Mindanao safe and paving the way for inclusive progress,” Bacarro said.