The Commission on Human Rights strongly condemns the ambush in Libuton, Borongan, Eastern Samar by alleged members of New People’s Army, which killed a policeman and wounded at least five other people.

We denounce such act of deliberate and arbitrary killing by the armed opposition group as the use of disproportionate and indiscriminate force in armed conflicts is a direct violation of the international humanitarian law.

The Commission will immediately conduct an independent investigation of the case, especially that there were reports claiming that students were involved in the incident.

The continuing hostilities in different parts of the country demands a long-term and durable solution to genuinely address this cycle of violence. With the ongoing talks between the government and the communist group to continue peace negotiations next year, the Commission is hopeful that the result of this agreement will mark the beginning of lasting peace in the Philippines.

We express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the fallen policeman and other victims of this violent attack.