The Commission on Human Rights in Region 8 has launched a motu proprio probe to aid in attaining justice for the fallen soldiers in the latest attacks allegedly committed by suspected New People’s Army members.
This stemmed from the alleged attacks conducted by rebels in Jipapad, Eastern Samar as two soldiers were also slain in a series of clash with NPA rebels in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.
According to reports, the rebels made a surprise attack at 1:30 am, which was a vulnerable hour when the community is deep in their slumber.
The two soldiers who died were identified as Staff Sergeant John Claire Flores and Private First Class Mark Edupancho Siscar from the 52nd Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division.
Two more soldiers from the same group were injured and a stray bullet also hit a 10-year-old girl.
“We deeply condole with the family and colleagues of the 4 fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives in fidelity to their mandate of ensuring peace and security in communities. The commission also prays for the speedy recovery of the wounded soldiers and the young girl caught in the firefight,” said the CHR.
The CHR also said that even in a conflict situation, non-state agents are governed by International Humanitarian Law and has equal accountability with respect to human rights.
“We reiterate that no ideology nor circumstance can justify atrocious attacks that deliberately transgress the right the right to life, especially when innocent civilians are harmed,” it added.