Youth groups lit candles and held a program at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Cebu on February 23 to mark the first anniversary of the Bilar 5 Massacre. The victims of the massacre include UP Cebu graduate Hannah Jay Cecista, Domingo Compoc (Commander Cobra), Perlito Historia, Marlon Omosura, and Alberto Sancho, all Red fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA)-Bohol.

In violation of the international humanitarian law, the 47th IB killed the five last year after arresting them from the house where they were staying in Sityo Matin-ao 2, Barangay Campagao, Bilar. Contrary to the military’s claim that an encounter took place, they were arrested, tortured and deliberately killed.

Witnesses said Cesista was made to crawl in the mud then shot. Cecista was a lawyer who chose to leave the profession to become a full-time member of the people’s army.

Meanwhile, Compoc, who was over 60 years old and suffering from arthritis, was tortured in front of village residents. He was slashed in the neck and stomach.

At that time, a photo circulated on social media, showing Compoc with a soldier behind him and his hands tied behind his back. It was noticeable that the photo was taken secretly.

One year after the heinous crime, human rights groups continue to call for justice and accountability for those involved in the crime. “As we honor the memory of Kumander Kobra, Atty. Cesista, the Bilar 5, and the Bohol farmers, we are reminded that their sacrifice is not just a tragedy, but the spark of a revolution that continues to burn within us,” stated Anakbayan-Cebu.

According to the group, the fight left by the Bilar 5 is also their fight. “A movement bound by love, strength, and the unyielding desire for a world built on equality, dignity, and freedom from exploitation,” according to the group