Units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are relentlessly violating human rights in the widespread militarization in the countryside. Cases of killing, encampment in city centers, harassment, and intimidation of residents in the barangays of Occidental Mindoro, Northern Samar, and Sultan Kudarat were recorded amid combat operations and military occupation.

The 203rd IBde killed New People’s Army (NPA)-Mindoro (Lucio de Guzman Command) fighter Anhing Ingayan Da-it (Ka Oca) on July 9 in Sitio Santo Cristo, Barangay Lourdes, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro. Soldiers captured the wounded Da-it after a clash. Instead of arresting and respecting his rights, the fascist butchers killed him deliberately. The military then tightened residents’ mobility and activities in the community.

The 19th IB and 43rd IB interrogated two coconut farmers in Barangay Cuenco and Caputoan in Las Navas, Northern Samar on July 8. Failing to extract information, soldiers mauled and tortured them by making them spin around to the point of dizzyness. Soldiers held them for a time until they confirmed the victims’ identities. Soldiers forcibly summoned several residents of Barangay Caputoan to the 19th IB headquarters in Barangay Opong, Catubig on July 9.

Soldiers of the 37th IB, 57th IB, and 40th IB are encamped in the barangays of Hinalaan, Datu Wasay, and Sangay in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. After their brigade-sized combat operation in May, they occupied the communities under the cover of a community support program operation.

While encamped, the soldiers prohibited residents from checking their traps for wild boar and deer in the forest, which are an alternative livelihood. They also dictate when farmers can go to their fields. The soldiers also called “meetings” to threaten residents with legal charges if they help the NPA. The soldiers also spoke with and threatened families of suspected full-time Red fighters with two years imprisonment.