Reports have reached the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on the killing of a farmer and a tribal leader in Brgy Magroyong, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on Thursday, 19 March 2020.

Initial accounts claim that the said violence was allegedly perpetrated by the armed wing of the communist rebels, the New People’s Army.

The farmer was identified as Zaldy Ibañez, 52, and was said to be a rebel returnee. Datu Bernandino Montenegro Astudillo, 73, was the tribal chieftain of Magroyong, whose remains were found in the vicinity of Sitio Inadan in the same town.

As such, CHR condemns these attacks to the right to life. No one should ever be subjected to such cruel and inhumane violences—knowing well the sanctity of life, as enshrined and protected by our laws.

As civilians, the said killings could be seen as a violation of the international humanitarian law under Republic Act No. 9851.

It also deplorable that the said killings were carried out while there is a suspension of police and military operations meant to allow our security forces to contribute in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in the Philippines.

CHR shall be investigating this case in aid of making perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

At the same time, we continue to echo our call for every Filipino to remain vigilant against human rights violations from all fronts and contribute in ensuring that our rights are protected—be it in fortifying peace on the ground or in our fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.