MEMBERS of the Makabayan bloc at the House of Representatives have filed a resolution seeking to investigate the spate of killings and other alleged human rights violations in Negros.

The proposed resolution, which was referred to the committee on rules, is asking the House committee on human rights to conduct the investigation.

The measure blamed the issuance of Memorandum No. 32 in November 2018 for the killings.

Memorandum Order No. 32 mandated the deployment of additional policemen and military personnel to Negros Island to suppress lawless violence. Also covered by this directive was Samar and Bicol.

Since November 2018, the Makabayan lawmakers said 66 people have been killed in alleged “state-sponsored” operations.

The recent wave of killings started on July 23, 2019, five days after four pilicemen were allegedly executed by suspected communist rebels in front of villagers in Barangay Mabato, Ayungon town.

On July 23, lawyer Anthony Trinidad was fatally shot in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental. Trinidad was tagged as a supporter of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

On July 25, seven people were killed including a one-year-old child in the same province.

Four others were killed on July 27 and one on July 26.

Malacañang and the Philippine National Police, on the other hand, have blamed the communist rebels for the killings.

President Rodrigo Duterte has hinted that he might declare martial law in Negros.

The resolution was proposed by Bayan Muna Party-list Representatives Carlos Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite and Eufemia Cullamat as well as Gabriela Women's Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas and Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago. (Ryniel Berlanga/SunStar Philippines)