Kaammoyo ti Kappia (Partner in Peace or KTK) and Ilocos Human Rights Alliance (IHRA)-Karapatan expressed extreme concern for the safety of civilians following a reported armed encounter between the 50th IB and New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Poblacion, Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte on February 6. A 15-minute battle reportedly occured between the 50th IB and a 15-person unit of the NPA in the said barangay.

KTK is concerned because the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has a long history of human rights violations. The group has previously recorded extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, torture and harassment of civilians in falsely claimed legitimate military operations.

“Given the AFP’s record of human rights abuses, we call for an immediate and impartial investigation to ensure the protection of civilian communities,” KTK spokesperson Rev. Fr. Randy S. Manicap said. IHRA-Karapatan supports KTK’s call and said the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), the International Committee of the Red Cross and other humanitarian organizations should take action.

In addition, they called on the 50th IB to immediately stop the militarization and dumping of massive military and police forces in the community that terrorizes civilians. “This contradicts the earlier [Ilocos Norte] Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc’s statement assuring residents that there is nothing to worry about,” Rev. Fr. Manicap said.

The priest also requests the government to resume peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to address the roots of armed conflict instead of militarization. “Only through genuine dialogue and justice can lasting peace be achieved,” the priest stated.