Two hors de combat from Negros Oriental and Masbate were reported killed while in custofy of bloodthirsty military forces, a grave violation of international humanitarian law.

The 62nd IB arrested, tortured and deliberately killed New People’s Army (BHB)-Central Negros Red fighter Dino Pane (Ka Yulo) on April 23 in Sitio Nabuluan, Barangay Bucalan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. Pane was recovering from pneumonia and suffering from very high fever and weakness. He was unarmed at the time.

In Masbate, hors de combat Raul Luding Tolingin died in the custody of the 2nd IB on May 14 due to “complications and other ailments.” The military captured the wounded Tolingin on May 10 in Barangay Miabas, Palanas following an alleged encounter. Tolingin had long suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure and rheumatism, and was undergoing treatment while staying at a house in the barangay. The military hid him from his family for three days until he died.

Reports from both provinces also recorded the military’s cases of physical assault, intimidation and threat against farmers in April. All of these are framed within the military’s campaign to pursue the people’s army.