On November 27, 62nd IB soldiers raided and ransacked the homes of two families in Sitio Gusa, Barangay Budlasan, Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, accusing them of supporting and aiding the New People’s Army (NPA).

The soldiers reportedly forced their way into Joan Lechan’s home. Soldiers have been previously harassing Lechan for unfounded accusations of being an NPA supporter.

Soldiers also raided the Perolino family home in the same barangay. Gary and Billy Perolino were subjected to martial law-like military interrogation. The 62nd IB separately pressured Jastine Perolino to reveal information about her husband, whom they seek for being active in defending the community residents’ rights.

The soldiers threatened to massacre Jastine’s entire family, including her children ages 2 and 5, if she refused to reveal her husband’s whereabouts. Members of the two households experienced extreme terror by the 62nd IB soldiers that day.

Under the Marcos regime, the 62nd IB has been documented to have committed 335 cases of human rights violations in the towns of Central Negros. The total number of its victims is over 12,000, including thousands of children.