Residents of central Quezon reported the presence and participation of seven African-American soldiers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ counterinsurgency operation and focused military operation (FMO) in recent weeks. The American troops were involved in patrolling and intimidating residents in the towns of Lopez, Gumaca, Macalelon, General Luna, and Catanauan. The 85th IB, 16th IB, and 81st IB are operating in these towns.

The soldiers’ most recent acts of terror include two waves of helicopters strafing on April 21 in Barangay Cogorin Ibaba and Barangay Santo Niño. According to Tanggol Quezon, the indiscriminate shooting happened at around 7 p.m. when residents were already resting in their homes.

“FMOs are clearly causing widespread human rights violations and disruption of the people’s livelihood,” according to Tanggol Quezon. The group recorded in just one month a series of cases of arbitrary arrest, surveillance, and strafing against the civilian population.

Aside from this, it should be recalled that the 85th IB has been harassing the relatives of farmer Rico Endrinal, a resident of Barangay Sugod. This was after the 85th IB and police elements arrested him on April 6 for still unclear reasons. The Endrinal family is currently subjected to relentless surveillance, harassment, and threats.