CEBU CITY – At least 14 persons were killed and 14 others were arrested in a series of police operations dubbed as “Oplan: Sauron” in Negros Oriental last Thursday which militant groups condemned and described as a massacre of farmers.
According to the Philippine National Police Regional Office 7, those who were killed fought back when police tried to implement search warrants against some residents suspected to be keeping firearms in their homes.
The PRO 7 said 34 of the 36 search warrants implemented yielded positive results.
They were identified as Steve Arapoc, Manulo Martin, and Sonny Palagtiw of Barangay Pansiao, Manjuyod; Edgardo Avelino and Esmael Avelino of Barangay Panubigan, Canlaon City; Ricky Recomono and Rogelio Recomono of Barangay Masulog, Canlaon; Genes Palmares of Barangay Aquino, Canlaon; Eric Acabal of Barangay Kundabong, Manjuyod; Ano Enojo Repada of Barangay San Pedro, Sta. Catalina; Melchor Panares and Mario Panares of Barangay Bayog, Canlaon; Franklin Lariosa of Barangay Talalak, Sta. Catalina, and Gonzalo Rosales of Barangay Pula, Canlaon.
Six subjects of search warrants were able to escape, the PRO 7 said.
Police Corporal Ian Puerto, an operative of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7, was wounded in the leg during the exchange of gunfire.
Firearms, hand grenades, and assorted bullets were seized during the police operations.
PNP spokesman Police Col. Bernard Banac yesterday affirmed that the 14 persons who were killed in the Negros Oriental police operations tried to shoot it out with policemen.
“We are sure that they really tried to shoot it out because our policemen will not use force if there is no threat to their lives,” said Banac, adding the police operations underwent the process of validation of intelligence reports and processes in carrying out raids.
“It is the duty of the PNP enforce the law and maintain peace and order for public safety. And these were done by following the rules of engagement, respect on human rights, and presumption of regularity,” said Banac. “The police were running after these personalities because of the violations of the law, and based on the information obtained they were keeping contrabands, guns, and bullets. The PNP just implemented the search warrant and at the course of the implementation, there were gun battles,” he added.
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza yesterday sought an investigation on the killings.
“We demand a quick investigation on this and appeal to our government authorities to restore peace and order,” Alminaza said.
The prelate said he was informed by the parish administrator of the Canlaon Parish that a lay minister was among those killed.
“The parish administrator of Canlaon Parish just called me that a lay minister he can vouch for his moral character is one of those issued with warrant of arrest and killed. Others were not even shown the supposed arrest papers,” said Alminaza. “What’s happening? Are we still observing law and order?” he asked.
Alminaza appealed to peacekeepers not to violate human rights in performing their task.
“Please as you do your tasks make sure you don’t violate the human rights and dignity of our fellowmen and women,” he said. “Please make sure you are not adding more reasons for our people to get disillusioned with our government and peacekeepers,” added Alminaza.
A local farm workers’ group also condemned the killings.
Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura chairperson Antonio Flores said the death of 14 peasants is similar to what happened in Guihulngan and nearby places late last year where six peasants were killed after they allegedly fought it out with police and military elements.
“We call on Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and the Commission on Human Rights and other independent bodies to call again for an impartial investigation in the killings of the 14 peasants,” Flores said.
The police operations were carried out during the 50th founding anniversary of the New People’s Army. Those who were subjected to the search warrants were reportedly NPA members and those arrested were reportedly NPA supporters. (Calvin Cordova, Leslie Ann G. Aquino, Ellalyn V. Ruiz, Chito Chavez, and Aaron Recuenco)