The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemns another ambush allegedly carried out by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) against government forces in Jipapad town, Eastern Samar on Wednesday morning, 7 July 2021.

According to news reports, the government troops were en route to finish the construction of their new military camp. Aside from the crossfire, an improvised explosive device (IED) was said to have been triggered by the NPAs as well.

Reports disclosed that one enlisted personnel of the 52nd Infantry Battalion and two members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit were killed in action. About four more were wounded from the government side. 

We stress that even non-State actors are bound to comply with international humanitarian law (IHL), alongside the government. In this incident, the indiscriminate use of IEDs, including landmines, continues to fail in distinguishing between civilians and combatants and protect especially civilians and communities from the ill effects of armed conflict, which violates the spirit of IHL.

In the larger view, we reiterate that no ideology can justify violations of human rights nor be used as a reason to excuse themselves from any accountability. We urge the government to pursue the perpetrators of this act in keeping with the rule of law. CHR, through its office in Region VIII, shall also be pursuing an independent probe on this case.

The Commission condoles with the families of the deceased and hopes for a quick recovery for the individuals wounded in this incident, as we also continuously call for an end to senseless violence.