Introduction

The armed machinery of Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s fascist regime unleashed extreme brutality during its first year in power. The blood-thirsty and ferocious armed savages of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and paramilitary groups and other state agents intensified their onslaught against those opposing the illegitimate regime. Widespread state terrorism is further incited by officials of the National Task Force-Elcac, including Vice Pres. Sara Duterte.

The regime persecutes civilians not only in the cities but especially in the countryside. It wantonly violates international humanitarian law, rules of war and other international declarations which safeguard civilians and non-combatants in areas of armed conflict.

Article 32 of the Fourth Geneva Conventions prohibits any act which causes physical suffering or extermination of protected persons. It states “…this prohibition applies not only to murder, torture, corporal punishment, mutilation…but also to any other measures of brutality whether applied by civilian or military agents.”

The Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict of the United Nations General Assembly on December 14, 1974 specifically considers war crimes “all forms of repression and cruel and inhuman treatment of women and children, including imprisonment, torture, shooting, mass arrests, collective punishment, destruction of dwellings and forcible eviction, committed by belligerents in the course of military operations (Number 5).”

In this report, Ang Bayan (AB) tackles cases of extrajudicial killings perpetrated by state armed forces against civilians and non-combatants (including hors de combat) who are protected under the international humanitarian law. This aims to give special attention to the extent of the brutality and violence experienced by the Filipino people especially the cases of killings under the first year of the Marcos regime since June 30, 2022.

Readers of AB should be aware that a number of other cases in the countryside are unreported due to the intensity of military operations in guerilla fronts. Reports from various regions of Mindanao, and even Eastern Visayas, are incomplete. Ang Bayan is awaiting additional reports from these areas.

Also excluded from this report are cases of extrajudicial killings committed in relation to the “war on drugs” perpetuated by the Marcos regime. It is estimated that not less than 300 victims were killed in these operations in the regime’s first year.

General picture

During the first year in power of Marcos Jr, AB recored 62 incidents of political killings perpetrated by state armed elements. These involve a total of 97 victims or an average of two killed in a week. Five of these incidents are cases of massacres and a case of frustrated massacre.

Majority of these cases were recorded during periods of military and police focused military operation (FMO) and in communities under the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP). Also, many of these cases involve the AFP releasing fake news of encounters or staging false encounters to cover-up their nefarious crimes.

Of those killed, 53 are farmers and one is a member of a national minority group. Six of the victims were minors, the youngest of whom is a 9-year old child. Even a 5-month pregnant woman was not spared from the fascist attacks after being killed in a case of indiscriminate firing by soldiers. In total, 13 women were killed by the soldiers and police.

Of the victims, 47 were killed while in military custody. They are victims of abduction or illegal arrests, suffered physical and psychological torture before being murdered. Eight of the victims were killed in indiscriminate firing of weapons by the military.

The bloodiest month was November 2022 with 16 killed by state forces. The month with highest number of incidents is May 2023 during which 15 were killed by military and police forces in 12 incidents.

Cases of killings were recorded in 19 provinces. From reports received by AB, Negros Occidental recorded the highest number of victims of state killings from all provinces. Thirty-one (31) were reportedly killed in 18 different incidents. It was followed by Samar and Masbate both of which saw 12 victims each.

These three provinces are covered by Memorandum Order No. 32 which was issued by the previous Duterte regime in 2018. It ordered the deployment of additional military battalions and imposed de facto martial law rule in Negros Island, Eastern Visayas provinces and Bicol.

The large-scale and extensive military operations in these provinces serve as defense for the operation of big businesses and plunderous projects of bureaucrat capitalists and their foreign and local capitalist partners. They employ the state and its mercenary military to suppress the people’s opposition to these projects.

In Negros Occidental, mining exploration for gold, copper and silver is widespread in the province’s southern part and manganese mining in Kabankalan City. While quarry operations to extract sand and gravel are rampant in other parts of the province.

Bridge construction which would drill through Sipalay City’s mountains and road construction in Calatrava to Silay City passing through the North Negros National Park are also underway. It is clear that these road constructions are only the initial step for bigger and more destructive projects that big businesses plan to build in these protected mountains.

After flattening, digging gigantic holes and dumping poisonous chemicals in Aroroy town, Masbate, the Filminera-Masbate Gold Project now plans to expand to the mountainous areas of Milagros, Uson and Mobo towns.

Land-grabbing and divestment of livelihood continue in Dimasalang town. The Empark eco-tourism park is set to be built on 1,800 hectares of land. The said project will cover the barangays of Bontod, Cadulan, Divisoria, Gaid, Maravilla, Sta. Cruz, Suba and T.R. Yanco.

Incidents

Below are some of the most deplorable cases of killings against civilians and other defenseless individuals perpetrated by state armed agents under the Marcos Jr regime. These show the extent, level of brutality and barbarity of the fascist military forces.

Catbalogan 10 Massacre

Military forces committed multiple crimes in the massacre of the Catbalogan 10. State forces abducted, tortured and summarily killed Benito Tiamzon, chairman of the Executive Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ Central Committee, Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, general secretary of the CPP and Joel Arceo, secretary of a subregional committee in Eastern Visayas. They were killed together with Ka Yen, Ka Jaja, Ka Matt, Ka Ash, Ka Delfin, Ka Lupe and Ka Butig. They are collectively referred to as the Catbalogan 10.

They were taken from their vans between 12 noon and 1 o’clock in the afternoon after being blocked on their way to Catbalogan City on August 21, 2022.

They were subjected to severe torture before being killed, before their lifeless bodies were loaded into a boat which was then exploded by the military mid-sea between Catbalogan and Taranganan island to eliminate all evidence of their crimes. With the help of fisherfolk, eight cadavers were recovered from the sea. According to their accounts, the remains bore signs of extreme torture.

Massacre of the Faustos, Jacolbes 
and another family in Northern Samar

Soldiers of the 94th IB killed members the Fausto family, including two children, on the night of June 14 in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City. Soldiers fired bullets at Emilda Fausto, 51, and her two children, Raben Fausto, 12, and Ben Fausto, 15, in their sleep. Rolly Fausto, 55, the family patriarch, was found dead outside the house.

The family were active members of the Baklayan, Bito, Cabagal Farmers Association (BABICAFA), a farmers’ association in the barangay. Even before the massacre, soldiers repeatedly harassed the family who were accused of supporting the people’s army.

The military tormented the family on March 22, 2022 when 12 soldiers broke into their house. Emilda was subjected to interrogation at knifepoint. After the incident, soldiers ransacked the family’s house, stole their ₱5,000 and killed their chickens.

That afternoon, the soldiers arrested Rolly and dragged him away from their house. His neck was bound with a belt as he was repeatedly forced to confess his involvement with the NPA. He was beaten up and repeatedly booted by soldiers. He was later forced to guide the military’s combat operation that night.

The Jacolbes. Roused from their sleep, 5-month pregnant Cristina Jacolbe and her 16-year-old daughter Everly were killed in a shooting by soldiers of the 62nd IB in their hut at Sitio Banderahan, Barangay Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on July 26, 2022 at 5 a.m. Their relative Roldan Montero was killed with them.

Cristina was a day-care teacher but was forced to stop teaching because of constant harassment and accusations by soldiers. Her daughter Everly is a Grade 11 student at Cabacungan National High School in La Castellana City. She was only visiting her mother when killed by soldiers. She was set to return to celebrate her older sibling’s birthday.

According to the victim’s relatives, they still heard Everly screaming, crying and asking for help around 9 a.m. when they reached the house. Despite their pleas, the soldiers prevented them from entering the house and to bring the girl to the hospital.

Human rights groups led by Human Rights Advocates in Negros launched a fact-finding mission in August 2022. In its investigation, the team obtained actual accounts of the incident, including eyewitness’ accounts. It recommended the filing of multiple murder and robbery cases against Brig. General Inocencio Pasaporte, and elements and the commander of the operating troops of the 62nd IB who killed the civilians.

Northern Samar. Two members of a family were killed in an attempted massacre by soldiers of the 43rd IB at Kilometer 9, Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro in Northern Samar on November 18, 2022. Soldiers falsely claimed that the victims were fighters of the NPA killed in an encounter. According to the military’s own report, they killed two and arrested three others.

Kylle­ne Ca­sao, 9 years old

Kyllene Casao, nine years old, was killed by elements of the 59th IB at Sitio Centro, Barangay Guinhawa, Taysan in Batangas on July 18, 2022.

Kyllene was walking home, with her father Benie and her brother, from grazing their goat when four soldiers aimed and cocked their weapons at Benie. Benie immediately raised his two hands and introduced himself as a resident of the area. Instead of letting them pass peacefully, the soldiers shot at them twice.

Benie and his son managed to run but Kyllene was hit by a bullet and fell to the ground. The father picked up his daughter who was struggling for her life and tried to bring her to the hospital. Kyllene didn’t make it alive.

After this, relatives and human rights groups were able to hold a dialogue on August 1, 2022 with Batangas Governor Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas to discuss the crime and other cases of human rights violations by the 59th IB. In the said dialogue, the local government official promised to push for an investigation in cooperation with Tanggol Batangan, Children’s Rehabilitation Center, and UNICEF on the said incident. The investigation has yielded no results so far.

Abductions and summary killing of the elderly and the sick

Rudy Garay and Rosalia Caindoy were undergoing treatment in a hospital in Misamis Oriental when they were abducted by elements of the 4th ID last March 26. Garay was severely emaciated, and jaundiced due to serious illnesses.

The military claimed they were killed in an encounter on March 27 between an NPA unit and combined forces of the Alpha Company of the 65th IB and the 9th Company of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, 1st and 2nd Scout Ranger in Sitio Vertudazo, Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur. According to residents, they heard plenty of gunfire from various types of firearms from 2 to 5 in the said area. In the morning, they discovered the lifeless bodies of Garay and Caindoy sprawled on mud.

The same fate befell Emanuel Llanos Anob, 67 and ailing, who was abducted in March 29 along the highway in Butuan City. Anob had just come from a hospital when abducted by soldiers. His family was able to file a report about his absence before information of his killing by soldiers emerged. Soldiers left his remains in a funeral parlor in Bayugan City in March 30. The military then claimed Anob was killed in an encounter along the boundary of Barangay Umalag and Castillo, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Indiscriminate firing killed Nasyon Gantangan

Nasyon Gantangan died when soldiers of the 37th IB aimlessly fired a hail of bullets at Sityo 27, Barangay Sangay, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat on February 27, 2023, 7:28 p.m. Two of his companions were minors, one of whom was injured.

They were homebound from hunting wildlife for food that night. Wearing bright head-mounted flashlights, they were suddenly attacked by soldiers. In one of the victims’ sworn statement, they were walking along a major pathway leading to a house-cluster when they were indiscriminately fired at by soldiers of the 27th IB.

The victims were fired upon repeatedly despite their screams of ‘we are civilians!’ According to the Gantangan family, the excessive number of bullets nearly cut his body in half. Gantangan’s pregnant wife suffered a miscarriage due to severe stress. Meanwhile, the two children-victims have been left seriously traumatized.

Killed by lethal torture

Barangay official Norvil Generoso Pepito was tortured to death by the soldiers of the 2nd IB on October 12, 2022. He was ceaselessly tormented for three days inside the military camp in Barangay Paguihaman, Uson, Masbate. He was summoned by the military and subjected to interrogation and beatings from October 10, 2022 to October 12, 2022.

Family and the barangay captain eventually found Pepito still hanging dearly for life and almost unconscious in the military camp. The family managed to bring him to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the doctor.

Pepito was tortured by the soldiers who falsely accused him of involvement in the ambush launched by the people’s army against the 2nd IB.

Killed while earning a livelihood

Two civilian victims who were working were brutally killed by forces of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) in Sitio Ibaliw, Barangay Sangay, Palapag, Northern Samar on May 5. The victims were identified as Joel Balading Recare and Oscar Alastoy, both residents of Barangay Capacujan and chainsaw workers.

Relatives strongly belied PNP-SAF statements that the two are members of the people’s army. Even the captain of Barangay Capacujan attests that the two were civilians. They had no negative record in the barangay whatsoever.

The family also expressed severe dismay and anguish because the remains were brought to the Regional Health Unit only after more than 24 hours and were already in a state of decomposition. Faced with demands of the families of the two victims, the Commission on Human Rights was compelled to conduct an investigation into their murder by the PNP-SAF.

Killed while in military custody

Activist and youth and peasant organizer Arthur Lucenario was already one month in the custody of the butcher 47th IB before he was killed in what the military claimed was an “encounter” on May 12 in Barangay Tabuan, Antequera, Bohol.

Lucenario was abducted at dawn on April 14 in the town of San Miguel and was subjected to illegal and undisclosed detention. His remains bore marks of intense of torture.

Killed in front of his wife

Ricard Kabanglas Hilogon, 26 years old, was brutally murdered by the 58th IB at their home at Sitio Tapol, Barangay Banglay, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental on April 3. Ricardo just got home from farmwork when agents of the 58th IB approached him and shot him point blank in front of his wife.

Hilogon was a former people’s army member but was long inactive. Before his killing, he was repeatedly summoned by the military in the past for him to “surrender”. Contrary to promise of peace and prosperity, the government’s “surrender” program actually brings worse atrocity against its victims.

Murder of Dante Yummanaw, Mangyan

In Occidental Mindoro, the 76th IB summarily killed Dante Yumanaw, an indigenous Batangan-Mangyan and resident of Sitio Tiyabong, Barangay Ligaya, Sablayan on July 15, 2022. Soldiers fired at Yumanaw when they chanced upon him as they conducted military operations.

Soldiers also rained a hail of bullets at Yumanaw’s companion. They also recklessly fired bullets in the direction of Sitio Tiabong, and at Barangay Ligaya, Sablayan.

Extrajudicial killing of NDFP consultants

The Marcos Jr regime’s anti-peace policy is evident in the merciless extrajudicial killing of three peace consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP). Their murder is a brazen violation of the agreement Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the NDF which safeguards the rights of the participants in the peace negotiation, as well as international humanitarian law.

The first among these cases is the killing by 94th IB soldiers of Ericson Acosta on November 30, 2022 while the latter was resting in Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental at 2 in the morning. Killed together with Acosta was Joseph Jimenez, local leader of a peasant organization in the area.

The next case is the summary killing by soldiers of NDF-Bohol consultant Manuel Tinio (Ka Dodie) on April 14. Tinio was shot seven times while driving a motorcycle along the boundary of San Miguel and Ubay in Bohol. To cover up the crime, soldiers placed a .45 calibre pistol on his remains to claim that he died “in an exchange of gunfire.”

The 94th IB abducted and summarily killed Rogelio Posadas, NDFP-Negros peace consultant on April 19, 2023. Posadas was travelling along Aranda-La Castellana Road in Hinigaran town when blocked by soldiers at around 9 p.m. Abducted together with Posadas were a peasant organizer and two drivers of motorcycles. The following day, the AFP issued a statement claiming that Posadas was killed in a supposed encounter in Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

A formal case of the abduction and extrajudicial killing of Posadas has been filed this June before the people’s revolutionary court in Negros.

Struggle for Justice!

Justice! is the clamor of families and friends of the victims of political killings under the Marcos Jr regime. They raise their demands through various forms and institutions to hold accountable military officials, soldiers and other armed instruments of the state primarily involved in these crimes against the people. Chief among those indicted in these crimes is Ferdinand Marcos Jr, head of the state’s armed force.

Unity and militance remain the people’s weapon against the atrocities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The people’s clamor and organized mass actions are intensifying, as they demand the pull-out of soldiers occupying their barrios or sitios who commit worsening oppression and violations of people’s rights, turn civilian structures into military encampments, and sow terror among the people.

They also hold mass actions to deliver their demands for justice to various agencies, including local courts, as well as international agencies and courts that try cases of crimes against humanity.

Families and relatives of the victims also have the option to file their cases before people’s courts of the people’s revolutionary government. On its own, local units of the New People’s Army units must conduct investigations into cases of extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations by the agents of the state, to pinpoint the primary perpetrators of these crimes.

Amid the onslaught and impunity of fascist soldiers against the people, units of the NPA should mount tactical offensives targetting primarily AFP units who are behind the killings and other atrocities. It is by way of these victories that the NPA responds to the people’s clamor for justice.

JUSTICE!

Inyab family child (2022-07-03), Roel Ladera (Ka Jack) (2022-07-06), Nikka Dela Cruz (Ka Chai) (2022-07-06), Alden Rodriguez (Ka Rocky) (2022-07-06), Roel Deguit (Ka Caloy) (2022-07-06), Dante Yumanaw (2022-07-15), Kyllene Casao (9) (2022-07-18), Pompeo Landisa (2022-07-20), Maximo Digno (2022-07-26), Christina Jacolbe (2022-07-26), Roldan Montero (2022-07-26), Everly Kee Jacolbe (16) (2022-07-26), Crisanto Lagardilla (2022-07-30), Jude Osma (2022-08-01), Rodrigo Mejica Lorezo (Ka Akag) (2022-08-07), Delia Rosco Rotalano (Ka Mema) (2022-08-07), Mario Esparaguerra (2022-08-19), Renante Capareño (2022-08-19), Benito Tiamzon (2022-08-21), Wilma Tiamzon (2022-08-21), Joel Arceo (Divino) (2022-08-21), Ka Yen (2022-08-21), Ka Jaja (2022-08-21), Ka Matt (2022-08-21), Ka Ash (2022-08-21), Ka Delfin (2022-08-21), Ka Lupe (2022-08-21), Ka Butig (2022-08-21), Manuel Cos (2022-09-01), Vincent Madlos (2022-09-01), Glorivic Campos Belandres (2022-09-01), Greg Cantilla (2022-09-07), Lonie Hainampos Pison (2022-09-30), Jessa Terol Empoy (2022-09-30), Percival Carag Mabasa (Percy Lapid) (2022-10-03), Carlito Ahina (2022-10-08), Romeo Nanta (Ka Juanito Magbanua) (2022-10-10), Norvil Generoso Pepito (2022-10-12), Unnamed Happy Valley family member (2022-10-18), Unnamed Happy Valley family member (2022-10-18), Pancho Versaga (2022-10-29), Renard Remulta (2022-10-29), Bernharl Kahil (2022-11-05), Ruel Riveral Mahusay (2022-11-10), Rene Bartolata Garzon (2022-11-13), Gilbert Julie Abunales Goylan (2022-11-13), Victor Baldonado (2022-11-21), Gerry Kasa (aka Kekel) (2022-11-23), Ka Dennis (Indot Dulunan) (2022-11-23), Ka Ho (Sep Kasa) (2022-11-23), Ka Duran (Allan Dalimbang) (2022-11-23), Ka Elena (Annabel Talon) (2022-11-23), Ka Pogi (2022-11-23), Ronnie Andren (2022-11-27), Mario Baldusa (Ka Jekoy) (2022-11-28), Janhel Sarsa (Ka Jorge) (2022-11-28)
, Ericson Acosta (2022-11-30), Joseph Jimenez (2022-11-30), Jose Gonzalez (2023-01-09), Orlando Fat (2023-01-10), Danny Malinao (2023-01-24), Henry Casido (2023-02-04), Jomarie Calumba (2023-02-04), Arjen Mahinay (Ka Nonong) (2023-02-04), Junjun Callet (Ka Roben) (2023-02-04), Diosdado Arcipe (2023-02-07), Argie Salvador (17) (2023-02-11), Vernon Bonggat (2023-02-20), Nasyon Gantangan (30) (2023-02-27), Dano Caindoy (2023-03-26), Rosalinda Caindoy (2023-03-26), Emanuel Llanos (2023-03-29), Ricardo Loloy Kabanglas Hilogonon (2023-04-03), Manuel “Loloy” Tinio (2023-04-14), Jose Albores Jr. (2023-04-18), Rogelio Posadas (2023-04-20), Alex Dolorosa (2023-04-24), Anthony Curson (2023-04-28), Crispin Tingal Jr. (2023-05-03), Joel Balading Recare (2023-05-05), Oscar Alastoy (2023-05-05), Arthur Jasper Lucenario (2023-05-14), Romeo Agua (42) (2023-05-15), Alvin “Dagger” Bayno (2023-05-20), Ruben Obidas (2023-05-20), Antonio Babor (77) (2023-05-20), Jurielen Babor (27) (2023-05-20), Juliven Ramirez (23) (2023-05-20), Evelyn Meren (31) (2023-05-20), Gusting Mapos (2023-05-21), Zaldy Cañaveral (2023-05-24), Jonel Bayno (2023-05-25), Rogelio Lacton (2023-05-27), Emilda Fausto (51) (2023-06-14), Billy/Rolly Fausto (52) (2023-06-14), Ben Fausto (15) (2023-06-14), Raben Fausto (11) (2023-06-14)