The 2nd IB elements illegally detained Isabel delos Reyes, 56, a farmer and resident of Barangay Libertad, Cawayan, Masbate on April 17. This was after an encounter between the 2nd IB and the New People’s Army (NPA)-Masbate (Jose Rapsing Command) on that day at the boundary of Barangay Miabas, Palanas and Barangay Libertad, Cawayan.

The 2nd IB is falsely presenting the victim as an NPA-Masbate fighter. NPA-Masbate spokesperson Ka Luz del Mar said Delos Reyes is a civilian and not an NPA member.

She said “Delos Reyes was photographed holding a gun to make it appear that she is a member of the NPA.” She was also forced to make a statement that the NPA unit was in the area to “extort” from local candidates in the 2025 elections.

Aside from the de los Reyes case, the 2nd IB also intimidated and harassed residents affected by the encounter. The soldiers reportedly fired their guns indiscriminately even after the NPA-Masbate unit they had clashed with had already vacated the area.

The military also prohibited residents living near the scene of the incident to evacuate to the centers of the village or nearby barangays. They were instead subjected to intense interrogation.