Initial information which we have received regarding the deaths of five Red fighters of the New People’s Army in Barangay Aglonok, Calinog, Iloilo last August 8 indicates the victims were apprehended by military forces under the 12th IB, 61st IB, and 82nd IB of the Philippine Army, subjected to severe torture, and then summarily executed. Their bodies bore signs of heavy beating, stab wounds and front-facing gunshot wounds. One of the victims had his feet still bound when the family received his body.

Even as we continue our investigation and await official reports from the local unit of the NPA, it is clear that this incident fits into the pattern of killing hors de combat Red fighters of the NPA, perpetrated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the Marcos regime. The AFP’s “take no prisoners” policy is in gross violation of international humanitarian law, specifically the First Geneva Convention, which guarantees the rights of sick and wounded combatants, and Article 41 of Additional Protocol I, that prohibits any attack against enemy forces recognized as hors de combat.

We hold Marcos himself, and officers of the AFP, responsible for the summary execution of at least 68 hors de combat Red fighters of the NPA. We are determined to exact justice for all victims and vow to make sure that Marcos and his fascist clique will be held to account their war crimes either before the people’s courts or appropriate international tribunals.

We have come to know that among the Aglonok 5 was Aurelio “Boy” Bosque, who was a known leader of the sugar workers and the broad masses of Panay island. He dedicated his life to the struggle of the toiling people and their national democratic cause. We salute Ka Boy, as well as the other Red fighters of the NPA who gave the ultimate sacrifice in serving the people.

The CPP wishes to express its most profound condolences to the families and loved ones of the Aglonok 5. The Filipino masses and their revolutionary forces grieve with you. Your loss is also their loss. Their deaths weigh down on our hearts with a sorrow as heavy as Mount Madja-as.

We call on the Filipino people to pay respects and always keep the memory of Aurelio Bosque and the Aglonok 5. In their honor, let us vow to continue the revolutionary struggle with infinite perseverance until we rid the country of imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism, the basic problems of the Filipino people that daily oppress and exploit them, and build a new nation that is based on national freedom and social justice.