The New People’s Army-Camarines Norte (Armando Catapia Command) strongly condemned 16th IB soldiers for the rape of at least three women in the province in recent months.

One of the victims was a 21-year-old woman from Barangay Bagong Silang 3. She recounted that she was alone in her house when three elements of the 16th IB arrived in September. One of the soldiers forced his way into the house and raped her while the other two served as “lookouts” outside.

On October 7, another woman from Barangay Bagong Silang 2 was raped by three soldiers. The victim said she tried to fight off the drunken and drug-crazed soldiers who even stole ₱2,000 from her after the rape.

In October, a student from Barangay Daguit was also raped by elements of the same battalion while on her way to school.

ACC spokesperson Ka Carlito Cada said the series of rapes by the 16th IB is not new as the battalion has long been known for its violence against women since it was first deployed in the province.