By Benjamin Cuaresma
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. once again denied allegations that civilians were among those killed during the bloody clash between government troops and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Tuboso, Negros Occidental that claimed 19 lives last month.
Teodoro insisted that all fatalities were armed members of the communist rebel group, rejecting claims made by some human rights organizations that six of the victims were civilians. Among those identified by advocacy groups were University of the Philippines student Alisa Alano and community journalist RJ Idasma.
The defense chief questioned the credibility of reports linking the victims to civilian groups, stressing that soldiers on the ground personally saw armed individuals during the operation.
According to Teodoro, the military operation was legitimate and based on direct encounters with armed rebels. He also emphasized that testimonies from soldiers involved in the firefight carry more weight than statements allegedly coming from rebel-linked sources.
Authorities earlier revealed that forensic examinations showed 11 of the fatalities tested positive for gunpowder residue. However, Teodoro clarified that negative paraffin test results on several others do not automatically prove they were unarmed, explaining that such tests are not always conclusive.
During his recent visit to Negros Occidental, the defense secretary met with troops from the 79th and 15th Infantry Battalions to assure them of the government’s continued backing in anti-insurgency operations.
Military officials also presented several high-powered firearms allegedly seized from rebel forces during separate encounters in the towns of Cauayan and Himamaylan.
Teodoro likewise renewed the government’s call for remaining rebels to surrender peacefully and return to mainstream society. He assured returning rebels that the government is ready to provide assistance, protection, and support programs for those willing to abandon the armed movement.
ia/xf
