Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang said those responsible must be held liable if violations are proven in the killing of at least 19 people in Negros Occidental, following concerns raised by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) over the incident.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said authorities are awaiting the results of an ongoing investigation into the April 19 encounter in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, where questions have been raised about the identities of those killed.
“Of course, everybody who is liable should be held accountable, dapat parusahan iyong umaabuso. Hindi hahayaan ng Pangulong Marcos Jr. ang umaabuso lalo na sa kanyang administrasyon,” Castro said.
[Translation: Of course, everybody who is liable should be held accountable, those who abuse should be punished. President Marcos Jr. will not allow abuses, especially under his administration.]
The Palace official also cited the military’s initial findings on the April 19 incident.
“Well, according to AFP, legitimate military operation ang naganap; at ang sabi rin ni General Brawner, they were armed. So, magpapaimbestiga po sila sa Commission on Human Rights, hindi naman po pipigilan para malaman ang katotohanan dito,” Castro said.
[Translation: Well, according to the AFP, a legitimate military operation took place; and General Romeo Brawner also said they were armed. So, there will be an investigation by the Commission on Human Rights, and it will not be hindered so the truth can be known.]
The CHR earlier expressed “grave concern” over the incident, which left at least 19 people dead, including student leader Alyssa Alano and community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma.
The commission said it has launched an independent investigation, citing inconsistencies in reports on whether the fatalities were members of an armed group, as claimed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, or civilians engaged in community work, as asserted by rights groups.
“Either of the claims require thorough, independent verification,” the CHR said, adding that under international humanitarian law, individuals must be presumed civilians in cases of doubt.
The CHR also raised alarm over reports that more than 100 families were displaced following the clash, urging authorities to provide humanitarian assistance and ensure access to basic services.
Castro said the government is monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant agencies to assist affected communities.
