SAVE Our Schools Network (SOS) calls on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and other independent bodies to investigate the deaths of Chad Booc and four others after an autopsy revealed he suffered multiple gunshot wounds and serious injuries.
“The Save Our Schools Network, friends, families, and fellow advocates urgently call for the Commission on Human Rights and other independent bodies locally, nationally, and internationally to conduct a swift, impartial and thorough investigation of the new Bataan 5 massacre,” read its statement released online on March 11.
SOS asserts that the New Bataan 5, composed of victims Chad Booc, Gelejurain Ngujo II, Elegyn Balonga, Tirso Añar, and Robert Aragon were killed by elements of the 10th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on February 23, 2022, in New Bataan, Davao de Oro.
In a separate press release on March 11, preliminary findings of forensic pathologist Raquel Del Rosario-Fortun revealed Booc's death was caused by acute blood loss due to multiple gunshot wounds around the trunk.
The findings also revealed fractures on some ribs and thoracic vertebrae, and the spinal cord was transected.
“The manner of death is classified as homicide,” read Del Rosario-Fortun’s statement.
In addition, SOS said Ngujo also suffered gunshot wounds and some skin had been peeled off from his stomach and right thigh, while Balonga suffered injuries on her jaw and nose bridge and her legs were dismembered.
Captain Mark Tito, spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division, told SunStar Davao on March 13 that they are already cooperating with an ongoing investigation.
“There’s already an ongoing investigation by the Commission on Human Rights-Davao and we are cooperating with them,” Tito said.