The 96th Military Intelligence Company (MICO) soldiers’ brutal interrogation terrorized and traumatized 12 civilians and residents of two barangays in the town of Uson, Masbate last week. The victims endured intense questioning, interrogation, and harassment to force them to admit links with the New People’s Army (NPA).

The Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid (PKM)-Masbate condemned the arbitrary and illegal interrogation of the victims. The group stated that the military seriously affected the residents’ livelihood and daily activities.

“Instead of focusing on their livelihood, farmers and residents constantly worry about falling victim to military schemes,” the PKM-Masbate said.

According to the report, 11 residents of Barangay Madao underwent brutal interrogation on May 29. They were identified as Baby Bacud, Alex Tumampil Buguero, Baby Arnejo, Gaga Arabis, Indayle Arnejo, Bongbong Francisco, Fe Apinar Peregrino, Ashley Dahunan, Dayday Peregrino Abunda, Junalyn Balayan Tumampil, and Lanie Masdo Merdejia. They were reportedly forced and obliged to point out acquaintances who were NPA members in their area.

“This happened despite the residents’ strong denial that they had any knowledge or awareness of the identities or location of the NPA members the military seek,” the PKM-Masbate said.

Some relatives and family members of resident Merdejia fear that the interrogation may worsen her illness. “She already struggles to speak after suffering a heart attack and is also diabetic,” the PKM-Masbate said.

The group stated that the 96th MICO used a self-proclaimed former NPA member, Norman Banggalisan (Jade), as a tool in these coercion operations. “He just randomly points out anyone as having a connection to the NPA,” according to the PKM-Masbate.

Meanwhile, the PKM-Masbate also denounced the arrest and interrogation of the mother of Lara Dumagan Potot from Barangay San Jose. The military detained the victim for several days before allowing her to return to her relatives in Barangay Matagbac, Milagros.

“The residents know about the crimes committed by the 96th MICO in other towns in Masbate, where they just label their victims as members of the NPA to cover up their crimes and human rights violations,” the PKM-Masbate said.

The group called on all Masbatenyos to expose and fight the desperation and schemes of the 96th MICO and reactionary state forces. “Masbatenyos must act to hold Marcos Jr accountable for implementing martial law in the countryside, which allows the military to subject civilian bureaucracy to military power and violate the rights of the people,” it said.