CHR starts probe on ‘NPA ambush vs PNP’ in Occidental Mindoro

By Czarina Nicole Ong Ki / Manila Bulletin

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned the reported ambush by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) against the 1st Occidental Mindoro Police Mobile Force Company (OMPMFC) last Friday morning, May 28.

CHR Spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the commission’s office in Region IV-B has started its probe on the incident that resulted in the deaths of three policemen and injuries to seven others.

Published reports stated that the policemen were on their way for the “serbisyo caravan at ugnayan sa barangay” community outreach activity organized by the Provincial Task Force – Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF – ELCAC) when they were attacked.

“Mariing kinukundena ng CHR ang nasabing karahasan. Hindi kailanman sapat na katwiran ang ideolohiya o paniniwala para gumamit ng dahas at lumabag sa karapatang mabuhay, (The CHR strongly condemns this act of violence. Ideologies or beliefs are not sufficient justifications to resort to violence and violate the right to life),” De Guia said.

“Ang CHR ay nakikidalamhati sa pamilya ng mga biktima, (The CHR extends its condolences to the families of the victims),” she added.