AFP, PNP: No torture, execution in Bohol clash

MANILA, Philippines — The police and military have cried foul over allegations that the five New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed in a shootout in Bilar, Bohol last week were victims of torture and extrajudicial killing.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the encounter was a legitimate operation, noting that a policeman is among the fatalities.

Fajardo said the PNP would not sacrifice its own personnel just to make it appear that an armed encounter is legitimate.

She said the PNP is open to an investigation into the incident.

Army public affairs office chief and spokesman Col. Louie Dema-ala said the encounter was covered by official and scene of the crime reports from the PNP.

Dema-ala said the Army is also open to any investigation, adding that the military does not dignify the “twisted narratives” of the NPA and its front organizations.

The Central Visayas chapter of rights group Karapatan has sought a probe by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) into the clash, saying the rebels were tortured and executed.

“The CHR must conduct a serious probe of possible gross violations of International Humanitarian Law and guarantee the safety and security of residents who may be willing to testify in order to ferret out the truth about the death of the Bilar 5,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said in a statement.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said it is ”imperative to emphasize the importance of encouraging the remaining insurgents to renounce violence to prevent further tragedies.”

He was referring to lawyer Hannah Jay Cesista, who was among those killed in the Bohol clash.

Acorda lamented that Cesista opted for armed struggle despite being a lawyer.

In Escalante City in Negros Occidental, Mayor Melecio Yao ordered the indefinite suspension of classes in all levels in eight hinterland barangays as clashes between soldiers and NPA rebels continued yesterday.

Classes were suspended in Barangays Libertad, Pinapugasan, Binaguiohan, Paitan, Dian-ay, Magsaysay, Malasibog and Tamlang.

Soldiers belonging to the 79th Infantry Battalion and NPA rebels have engaged in gunfights since Feb. 21.

Meanwhile, in Zamboanga del Sur, an