Thursday, October 19, 2006 Human rights group to probe Calatrava encounter By Roberto L. Bacasong
THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Bacolod will conduct an independent investigation on the recent encounter between the Army's Task Group North and suspected rebels in Barangay Telim, Calatrava town.
CHR Bacolod officer-in-charge Romeo Baldevarona, in an interview Wednesday, said the investigation will focus on the negligence allegedly committed by the TGN troopers headed by Lieutenant Colonel Felicisimo Budiongan.
He added that they are also set to probe the dislocation of families from several barangays.
"We will do the investigation fair and square. Our independent action will determine if there were maltreatment done by the soldiers when they arrested the five suspected members of the Larangan Guerilla 3 of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA)," said Baldevarona.
As of Wednesday, about 500 families or 2,497 persons left their houses fearing injuries and harm in the clashes between the Army and the rebels.
The affected villages are Malanog, Telim, Cruz, Malatas, Macasilao and Laga-an.
Lian Garcia, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), said the distribution of relief assistance continued in affected barangays.
She added there are 200 families or about 1,000 persons from Barangay Lagaan who evacuated to Barangay Menchaca.
The Provincial Disaster Management Team with Philippine National Red Cross, Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and Provincial Health personnel will be going to Calatrava Thursday to conduct a medical and relief operation.
Baldevarona, in related interview, said his office has yet to receive a complaint from the affected residents.
Affected in Malanog - 97 families or 485 persons, Telim - 103 families or 515 families, Cruz - 51 families or 255 persons, Malatas - 14 families or 67 persons, Macasilao - 35 families or 175 persons and Laga-an - 200 families or 1,000 persons.
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