The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) had a dialogue with Bayan Muna Chairperson Neri Colmenares on Friday, 14 May 2021, at the CHR Central Office in Quezon City.

Concerns were raised about the of the authenticity of the mass surrender of some 244 communist rebels with some individuals allegedly affiliated with Bayan Muna and the urban poor organization Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY). Further allegations include the harassment of individuals and misuse of government assistance as part the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as payment to individuals coerced into surrendering.

These reports have been received and shall be endorsed to the respective Regional Offices of the CHR for prompt investigation.

Pending results of our own investigation, we strongly urge the military to conduct its own parallel probe to also ascertain veracity of these allegations.

CHR continues to stress its condemnation against armed struggle and other forms of terrorism. It is also our hope that there will be a significant reduction of violence on the ground, especially for conflict vulnerable and affected communities. We must put a stop to senseless violence.

As CHR pursues its independent probe, we shall also be open in hearing the side of the military and the government on this concern. ###