Human rights groups and indigenous people’s defenders condemned the 76th IB for abducting and torturing a Mangyan-Iraya woman in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro on December 2. The victim was identified as Dolores Mariano Solangon, 47 years old.

Defend Mindoro reported that 60 soldiers from the 76th IB surrounded Solangon’s house and abducted her at around 1:30 p.m. that day. They then tied her to a tree and subjected her to interrogation until 4:00 p.m.

They later brought her to a mountainous area and again subjected her to torture until 9:00 p.m. They also forced her to dig her own grave and threatened to kill her if she tried to escape.

The group said Solangon’s case adds to the long list of human rights and international humanitarian law violations committed by soldiers against the indigenous Mangyan people. “We strongly condemn the 76th IB for this act of violence against a civilian under the Marcos regime’s counter-insurgency campaign,” the group added.

Katribu Kalipunan ng Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas and BAI Indigenous Women’s Network also condemned the military violence. The groups hold accountable not only the specific 76th IB unit but the entire Armed Forces of the Philippines and Ferdinand Marcos Jr as commander of the armed forces and enforcer of government policies. “All those responsible must be prosecuted and brought to justice,” Katribu said.

The 76th IB abducted and tortured Solangon after its encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA)-Mindoro (Lucio de Guzman Command) in Sityo Balite, Barangay Lumangbayan in Abra de Ilog at around 11:00 a.m. on November 26. At least two 76th IB soldiers were killed while many others were reportedly wounded.