Task Force Escalante started its investigation on the reports of extra-judicial killings in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, by interviewing several witnesses and families of the victims of alleged extra-judicial killings Monday in Bacolod City, DAILY STAR sources said.

The task force headed by Interior and Local Government regional director Evelyn Trompeta, is composed of representatives from peace advocacy groups, the provincial government, and the Commission on Human Rights, and the Department of Justice.

Trompeta, who could not be reached for comment last night, led the interviews.

Two CHR investigators from Iloilo joined the task force in the interviews held at a church compound in Bacolod City.

Majority of the killings in Escalante since 2007, were, however, claimed by the New People’s Army.

In a resolution dated July 15 last year, the National Police Commission headed by Jessie Robredo, suspended the administrative and operational control of Mayor MelecioYap over the Escalante police station, citing numerous extra-judicial killings in the city, and his alleged close association with the New People’s Army.

Yap has denied the allegations.*GPB

back to top