The Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Negros Occidental will conduct an investigation over the encounter that took place at Purok Lubi in Kabankalan City's Barangay Tabugon, Thursday, September 21, that left six suspected rebels dead.
CHR-Negros Occident head Vincent Parra said they will conduct an independent probe into the clash, especially after the wife of one of the slain individuals, Ruben Gaitan, claimed that he was not a member of the communist insurgents.
It was also noted that one of the alleged slain rebels was later found to be five months pregnant based on a post-mortem examination of the remains.
Parra said the claim of Gaitan's wife, as well as the report that one of the slain rebels was pregnant, are serious and warrant an independent probe.
He said the investigation will be conducted next week as they are still conducting separate probes on other incidents that took place in southern Negros recently, particularly the incident in Bago City on Friday, September 22, where two victims of alleged summary execution were found.
In the meantime, the CHR will forward a letter to the Philippine Army as well as hold a meeting with the Kabankalan City Police Station, as they served as the first responders after the clash.
The 47th Infantry Battalion (IB) was conducting a security operation in Barangay Tabugon in Kabankalan City on Thursday when they encountered the six alleged rebels, who were riding Gaitan's tricycle.
According to a statement released by 302nd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier Gen. Joey Escanillas, the rebels opened fire first at the army personnel, prompting the soldiers to respond defensively.
Aside from Gaitan, four of the fatalities were identified over the weekend as Alejo "Peter/Bravo" Delos Reyes; Bobby "Recoy" Pedro; Mario Fajardo "Rico/Goring" Mullon; and Melissa "Diane" Dela Pena.
The fifth individual, a female, remains unidentified, according to authorities.*