Cases of indiscriminate firing by soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against civilians were recorded one after another in recent weeks. The soldiers made it appear that the victims were members of the New People’s Army (NPA) killed in encounters.

Christina Jacolbe, 5-months pregnant, of Sityo Banderahan, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental was killed by elements of the 62nd IB last July 26, at 5 a.m. who indiscriminately fired at their hut. The victim’s 16-year old daughter Everly Kee Jacolbe and family relative Rodan Montero, who were in the same house, were also killed in the incident. Christina is a former daycare teacher who was forced to stop working after being red-tagged and hounded by the military.

In Batangas, 9-year old Kyllene Casao was killed when the 59th IB opened fire in Sitio Centro, Barangay Guinhawa, Taysan last July 18. She and her father were on their way home from tending their goat when they were fired upon by the soldiers.

The 59th IB is preventing human rights groups from conducting investigations in the place of incident and is hiding Kyllene’s father. After negotiations with the local government, human rights groups succeeded in pushing for an independent investigation which would include advocates of children’s rights and the United Nation’s Children’s Fund.

Also in Batangas, the 59th IB killed Maximo Digno, a farmer in Barangay Malapad na Parang, Lobo last July 26. According to the residents, Digno is mentally handicapped. A day earlier, 59th IB soldiers indiscriminately fired their weapons nearby.

In Occidental Mindoro, the 76th IB killed Dante Yumanaw, who belongs to the indigenous Mangyan-Batangan and resident of Sityo Tiyabong, Barangay Ligaya, Sablayan last July 15. He is the chief of the said village.

AFP soldiers are harassing the victim’s family and are forbidding them to visit the wake.