Palace won't intervene with CHR probe into Negros Occidental clash

Malacañang respects the independent investigation being conducted by the Commission on Human Rights into the recent purported clash in Toboso, Negros Occidental, where 19 people were killed, including a local journalist, a student leader, and two Filipino-Americans.

''Well, according to (the) AFP, legitimate military operation ang naganap, at ang sabi din ni General (Romeo) Brawner, they were armed. So, magpapa-iimbestiga po sila sa Commission on Human Rights, hindi naman po pipigilan para malaman ang katotohanan dito,'' Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said during Monday's press briefing.

(Well, according to AFP, what happened was a legitimate operation and General Brawner said they were armed. The CHR will investigate this and we will not stop this to uncover the truth.) 

Castro also said ''everybody who is liable should be held accountable.''

The CHR, through its office in the Negros Island Region, has initiated an independent investigation into the matter.

Information from local human rights advocates prompted coordination with civil society organizations, local authorities, and security forces, including working with the families for the retrieval of the remains in Toboso and Escalante.

The fatalities were reported during an alleged encounter with government troops in Barangay Salamanca on April 19.

The CHR has raised concern over reports that the incident displaced more than 100 families.

On Sunday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the remains of the 19 fatalities have been turned over to their families, as the CHR began its own investigation into the incident.

Military officials maintained they have evidence showing those killed were armed and had engaged government troops in a firefight.

Human rights group Karapatan, however, disputed the military’s account, saying the two Filipino-Americans were not combatants.

 Karapatan also identified community journalist RJ Nichole Ledesma and University of the Philippines student Alyssa Alano among those killed, and called for an independent investigation. — RSJ, GMA News