THE Army's 10th Infantry Division said they are willing to cooperate with the Commission on Human Rights in its investigation on alleged human rights violations committed during an encounter in Pacquibato District in Davao City on Sunday.
Three suspected members of the New People's Army were killed in the encounter.
Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) public information officer chief Captain Alberto Caber said they are willingly to provide whatever kind of assistance to any form of investigation body from the government.
"We welcome that kind of investigation. Hindi naman pwede na kami ang mag-imbestiga sa sarili naming mga tao. Kasi for us we consider it as a legitimate encounter with the rebel group," Lieutenant Vergel Lacambra, 10th ID spokesperson, told Sun.Star Davao in a phone interview. "It would be good na madetermine talaga kung ano ang nangyari."
On Sunday, soldiers belonging to the Army's 69th Infantry Batallion (IB) in Barangay Paradise Embac in Paquibato District in Davao City claimed killing Randy Cornasa, Rubel Enlog, and Oligario Quimbo in an encounter with rebels.
Lacambra insisted the 69th IB only patrolled the area after they received report that there were sightings of NPA rebels Leoncio Pitao, alias Parago; and Nelson Anggoy, alias upaw, who have warrants of arrest.
"May nagpaputok sa ating tropa so we had no choice but to retaliate," Lacambra said.
However, he said they will provide all necessary help for the investigation of CHR.
Emiliano Cajes, supervising investigator of CHR-Davao, said they were not approached and forced by the Karapatan to conduct the said probing on the Paquibato incident.
"Walang complainant ito. Ito ay separate investigation natin due to an allegation na may mga batang nasugatan because of the incident," Cajes said in a separate phone interview.
rHowever, Cajes confirmed that they have already formed a team for this case but did not start yet gathering any facts for the investigation.
In a statement furnished to Sun.Star Davao, Karapatan-SMR secretary general Hanimay Suazo said: "Datu Enlog is the 44th victim of extra judicial killings under Aquino administration. This just shows the reign of impunity under the current regime."