The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is investigating the death of three soldiers in an ambush allegedly carried out by the New People’s Army last Jan. 17 at Purok 2 Extension, Barangay 66-Banquerohan in Legazpi City.
Killed during the attack were Cp. Joemar Maravilla, Pfc. Ronald Zamora, and Pfc. Reymar Palencia. Another soldier identified as Sgt. Ferdinand Ignas was wounded.
“In the pursuit of justice and truth, CHR, through its office in Region Office V, has started to conduct its initial investigation into the incident,” lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia, CHR spokesperson, said.
The CHR strongly condemned the incident of violence, which it deemed as “senseless.” As the CHR sends its condolences to the fallen soldiers, it is expressing hope that similar atrocities will no longer take place in the future.
“While every individual has the absolute right to believe or subscribe to any ideology, the right to act in accordance with one’s belief cannot be absolute. Individual conduct remains subject to laws and regulation of the State, which may even include prohibition of certain acts for the protection of society,” said De Guia.
“Thus, all are called upon to abide by the general principles of International Humanitarian Law and domestic laws of the country – State and non-State forces alike,” she further stressed. (Czarina Nicole Ong Ki)
