By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday extended condolences to the families of individuals killed in a legitimate military operation in Toboso, Negros Occidental, and backs a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
This comes after ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights raised concerns over the deaths of 19 civilians, which they claimed may constitute violations of international humanitarian law.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said it is important to allow due process and proper investigation before drawing conclusions on accountability.
“Maganda naman po talaga na mayroong mga ahensiya na tumitingin at nangangalaga ng karapatang pantao (It is good that there are agencies that monitor and protect human rights),” she said in a press briefing.
“Hindi po siguro dapat muna magbigay ng konklusyon kung wala pang full-blown hearing, trial na masasabi natin na mayroon nang mga taong guilty sa sinasabing violation of human rights (It may not yet be appropriate to draw conclusions without a full-blown hearing or trial where we can say that there are people already guilty of the alleged human rights violations).”
Castro said the government is currently relying on the official account of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which insists the operation was conducted in accordance with “international humanitarian law and strict rules of engagement to safeguard civilian lives.”
Citing the statement of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Castro said the military rejects allegations that civilians were deliberately targeted.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines firmly reject claims that the Toboso encounter was an indiscriminate attack on civilians. Evidence on the ground confirms a legitimate armed engagement with members of the New People’s Army (NPA), not the targeting on non-combatants,” she said.
Castro said the AFP is open to cooperating with any lawful and independent investigation.
She added that Brawner has expressed confidence in the integrity of the AFP’s operations and adherence to due process.
Castro also acknowledged reports that the Communist Party of the Philippines has denied that nine of those killed were members of its armed wing, the NPA.
She said the Palace sympathized with the families of the deceased but emphasized the need for a full, independent probe.
“Of course, nakikiramay po tayo kung mayroong mga taong nabawian ng buhay, pero as of now, kung iyan po ang sinasabi nila, mayroon din naman pong version ang AFP. Kaya kinakailangan po talaga ng masinsinang pag-iimbestiga nito at open naman po ang AFP patungkol dito (Of course, we extend our sympathies if there were those who have lost their lives, but as of now, if that is what they are claiming, the AFP also has its own version of the events. That is why a thorough investigation is really needed, and the AFP is open regarding this matter),” Castro said. (PNA)
