Local chief executives in Negros Occidental have defended the military against criticisms regarding the death of 19 people in a recent encounter in Toboso town.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the encounter in Toboso was a result of a legitimate military operation.
‘I think we should realize that the Army could not have done that without information from the community. Clearly, the community helped guide the Army run after their target. We do not question the Philippine Army,’ Lacson said.
Among those killed during the encounter in Barangay Salamanca on April 19 were a wanted rebel leader with a P2-million bounty on his head, two American activists, a student leader and a party-list group nominee.
Lacson said that local officials appreciate Army soldiers for protecting the people and sacrificing their lives for the country.
Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, Lacson said 97 percent of Negrenses agreed that the province has been peaceful.
Lacson expressed belief that there is no need to conduct a congressional inquiry into the Toboso encounter as the Commission on Human Rights is investigating the incident.
‘If you ask me, I will not call for an investigation, because I trust the Philippine Army,’ he said.
The Negros Association of Chief Executives has issued a statement supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines for upholding peace and security.
The group said it recognized the military’s duty to defend the people against threats posed by insurgents, and urged rebel groups to abandon the armed struggle, rejoin communities and return to normal life.