Army says two farmers in Isabela were NPA members

November 20, 2017

The military denies an allegation by a human rights group that government forces arrested two farmers in Isabela province last week.

“The allegation of Karapatan is not true, the two surrendered to 86th Infantry Battalion based on the report,” said Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, 502nd Brigade commander, Monday

Bacarro said contrary to the allegations of Karapatan, Oliver Molina and Robert Dalupang were New People’s Army (NPA) members who surrendered to the military last November 13 following the encounter with around 30 NPAs at vicinity Sitio Minanga, Brgy San Carlos, Echague, Isabela on November 12.

“While conducting pursuit operations, two NPA members approached the troops without firearms, and eventually have an intention to surrender themselves,” he said.

“Both admitted they are actually relatives. (Niece) and regular NPA members,” he added.

Bacarro said the rebels made a sworn statement that also denies the claim of the human rights group.

“Based on their sworn statement that was made in front of barangay chairman Jose Bautista and other barangay officials, they have denied allegations of Karapatan and Dagami that they were forced to hide at the military camp, harm and threaten but instead they voluntary surrender in fear that they will be hunt down by the members of the NPA,” he said.

“According to them the soldiers also threat them well while they were in their custody,” he added.

Karapatan claim the two were tending their   farms   in   the   mountains   of   Barangay   Diasan   just   before   they disappeared and reported missing by their families.

Bacarro said the two were turned over to the barangay officials on November 18 as the military has not found any case that can be filed against them.

“Prior to the release, said two NPA members have their medical certificates that they were not been tortured and are in good health condition prior to the released,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS