The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemns the ambush incident of members of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), allegedly carried out by the New People’s Army, that occurred on 17 January 2020 at Purok 2 Extension, Brgy. 66-Banquerohan, Legazpi City, which led to the deaths of Corporal Joemar Maravilla, Private First Class Ronald Zamora, Private First Class Reymar Palencia and the injury of another soldier, Sergeant Ferdinand Ignas.

While every individual has the absolute right to believe or subscribe to any ideology, the right to act in accordance with one’s belief cannot be absolute. Individual conduct remains subject to laws and regulation of the State, which may even include prohibition of certain acts for the protection of society. Thus, all are called upon to abide by the general principles of International Humanitarian Law and domestic laws of the country—State and non-State forces alike.

In the pursuit of justice and truth, CHR, through its office in Region Office V, has started to conduct its initial investigation into the incident. We send our deepest condolences to the bereaved loved ones of the victims. We condemn acts of senseless violence and hopes that similar atrocities such as this ambush will be put to an end.