The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said yesterday that it is continuously coordinating with, and is fully supporting Task Force Escalante, in the investigation of several cases of extra-judicial killings in Negros.

Maj. Enrico Gil Ileto, 3ID Public Affairs Office chief, said they condemn the practice of using force beyond legal means, especially extra-judicial killings.

“Resorting to extra-legal means is an act of crime punishable by law”, Ileto said, stressing, “We will not tolerate it”.

The task force, which is composed of representatives of the Departments of Interior and Local Government as well as Justice, peace advocacy groups, the provincial government of Negros Occidental, and the Commission on Human Rights, has already started interviewing witnesses and families of the victims of extra-judicial killings.

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

Ileto said the use of private armed groups, especially the NPA for extra-legal killings, will be dealt with accordingly by the combined forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and National Police, organized in accordance with the Joint Peace and Security Coordination Center.

“The 3ID remains firm in upholding the rule of law and the AFP shall continue to promote and uphold human rights in all its undertakings”, he stressed.*GPB

back to top