The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) vehemently condemns the brutal massacre of the Gomansil family by the soldiers of the 26th Infantry Battalion on December 15, 2024, along the Dayuman River, Barangay San Vicente (Balagnan), Esperanza town, Agusan Del Sur.

This massacre, committed in cold blood, is a gross crime against international humanitarian law and the laws of war. It is a testament to the continued rise in violent attacks against civilians by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the US-Marcos regime.

The victims, Toto Gomansil, Toni Gomansil, and their daughter Celine, were mercilessly killed under the pretext of being involved with the New People’s Army (NPA) and the revolutionary movement in the province. Before they were accosted by soldiers, the Gomansils even sought the soldiers’ permission to work on their farm.

The troops of the 26th IB have long placed Barangay San Vicente and other villages under martial law control, imposing population control measures, such as requiring people to sign their names in logbooks. These soldiers have subjected the peasant community to endless harassment and terrorism as part of their brutal counterinsurgency tactics under the guise of “community support”.

Despite complying with the policies imposed by the 26th IB and maintaining their innocence, the Gomansil family was subjected to severe interrogation, during which they were repeatedly asked about the presence of the NPA in their community. Their denials were met with extreme violence. Spouses Toto and Toni were tied up and tortured before they were stabbed to death by the bloodthirsty fascists. Celine, who witnessed the murder of her parents, attempted to flee but was ruthlessly shot by the same soldiers, who then proceeded to desecrate her body.

Reports of this massacre have only recently reached our offices. We hope to underscore the urgent need for justice in the face of these crimes committed by the AFP against the people.

This massacre is not an isolated incident. It forms part of a broader campaign of state-sponsored terrorist violence against the Filipino people in the desperation of the US-supported Marcos regime to crush the NPA and the people’s armed resistance. However, despite attempts to instill fear, these brutal acts of violence are only serving to fuel the people’s anger, and rouse them to fight even harder against oppression and injustice.

The Party joins calls for immediate justice for the Gomansil family and all victims of military atrocities. We urge the Filipino people to unite against the US-Marcos tyranny and to stand in solidarity with the victims of state violence. In support of the people’s struggle for justice, the Party and revolutionary forces vow to do everything they can to bring the fascist perpetrators to justice.