Karapatan-Bicol strongly condemned the 9th ID for spreadng lies about the abduction of Raul Luding Tolingin, a hors de combat. The group also called for accountability and justice for Tolingin’s death while in military custody.

The military report claimed an encounter occurred between five members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the 2nd IB on May 10 at 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Miabas, Palanas, Masbate. Residents belied this saying no encounter took place. Soldiers opened fire at the house where Tulingan was staying and hit him in the right thigh.

Karapatan-Bicol said Tolingin long suffered from diabetes, high blood pressure and rheumatism, and was undergoing treatment while staying at a house in the barangay. His family could not locate him for three days since the soldiers seized him.

The military withheld information from the family of his whereabouts despite their active search. Only on May 13 did the family learn Tolingin’s location when the military told them he was dying at Masbate Provincial Hospital.

Tolingin was first admitted to a private hospital and referred for surgery to Legazpi City, Albay. Instead of carrying this out, they transferred him to a public hospital in Masbate. When doctors assessed his condition, they also advised he be transferred to Legazpi City. From there the military told the family they would have to cover Tolingin’s flight fare and treatment in Legazpi City.

On May 14 at 12:50 p.m., the 9th ID reported in a video on Facebook that Tolingin had died from “complications and other illnesses.” He died around 11 p.m.

“Tolingin was clearly a hors de combat, incapable of fighting because of his illnesses. Under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), hors de combat are protected from any attack and must be treated humanely,” Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said. She added that the shooting of Tolingin, the denial of information to his family about his location, and the negligence that worsened his condition while in military custody constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.

“Tolingin’s condition clearly worsened because the military refused to arrange his transfer for urgent necessary treatment. The military cannot absolve itself of Tolingin’s death, especially after they hid information about his true condition from his loved ones,” Palabay explained.

She added that the AFP cannot use anti-insurgency operations to cover up violations of the laws of war. “Under IHL, persons hors de combat have the right to medical attention and proper care from his captors,” she said.

Karapatan emphasized that Tolingin’s death adds to the growing list of IHL violations, not only in Masbate but across the Bicol region. In the past, the region repeatedly documented cases of fake encounters, extrajudicial killings, illegal arrests, torture, and military encampment in civilian facilities in communities.