Families of 14 killed in Negros Oriental police ops maintain victims did not fight back

The families of those killed in police operations in Negros Oriental over the weekend mourn and cry for justice as they maintained that the victims were not criminals and did not exchange fire with the authorities.

The Commission on Human Rights is now gathering statements from witnesses as part of their investigation on the bloody operation by the Philippine National Police (PNP), according to an Unang Balita report by GMA News' Emil Sumangil.

Among those killed were father and son Rogelio and Ricky Recomono, who, according to the PNP, fought back during the operations.

Rogelio and Ricky's relatives, however, said the two were unarmed and were not members of the New People's Army (NPA), as claimed by the PNP.

They were charcoal burners who were not supporting armed protests, the relatives said.

"Hindi namin matatanggap na patay siya. Kung may kasalanan sana, hindi siya 'yung may kasalanan, 'yung papa namin hindi nila pinatay. Kung may kasalanan sana na lang," said Rosalie Recomono, daughter of those killed.

The Recomonos' family is now worrying about the father and son's funeral due to lack of funds.

Another father-and-son who were killed were Melchor Panares, 67-years old, and Mario Panares, 46-years-old.

Panares' family who were present during the incident claimed the raid was a set-up.

"Babasahin daw nila ang warrant, sabi ng nanay ko, dito na sa taas kasi maliwanag, sa baba madilim. Sabi ng nanay ko, a-anuhin 'yung ilaw para maliwanag. Ayaw ng (pulis) kasi may flashlight daw sila... Ang mama ko, hindi nila ipinakita kung ano ginagawa, pinadapa sina papa at si Mario... Mga five minutes pumutok," said the Panares' relative Rosanna Panares.

Reynaldo Panares, another relative of Melchor and Mario, called on authorities involved in the shooting to appeal to their conscience and speak up.

"Akuray sir na kwan, bigyan namin ng katarungan ang pagkamatay sir, ok na sir," said Reynaldo.

Eight were killed in police operations in Canlaon City, two in Santa Catalina and four in Manhuyod.

Task Force Sauron of the PNP Regional Office 7 said the operation was legitimate and those killed indeed fired back to authorities.

Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office head Colonel Raul Tacaca said his men followed the proper protocol for conducting search warrants.

The PNP said they are open to complaints and possible charges to be filed by relatives of the killed suspects. To date, the provincial police chief and three other police officials have been relieved pending completion of the investigation. — Jamil Santos/RSJ, GMA News