The human rights group September 21 Movement South Negros condemned the 62nd IB soldiers and state forces for harassment and intimidation of farmer residents of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental last May.
According to the group, soldiers visited the house of farmer Alan Garde in Sityo Kapudlusan, Barangay Sandayao and interrogated him on May 15. The 62nd IB forced Garde to admit his links with and support for the New People’s Army on Negros island.
On the same day, soldiers raided Rocky Fat’s house in Barangay Sandayao. The group reported that soldiers ransacked and searched the house and claimed they confiscated a weapon. The 62nd IB attempted to remove Fat from his house, using the “confiscated weapon” as the excuse, but his family bravely to stop the soldiers.
The soldiers threatened Fat’s family not to report or complain to barangay officials and police about the incident. They stated they would file charges against the family if they complained.
Meanwhile, the group also reported the filing of “terrorism” cases or violations of the Anti-Terrorism Law against Bibiano Gemodo, 40 years old, and his sibling Helaria Bardok, 38 years old. Gemodo is a farmer and local tool maker while Bardok is a daycare worker. Both are residents of Barangay Binobuhan.
“This move by the 62nd IB terrorized and perturbed [civilians] about facing charges even if they are innocent,” according to September 21 Movement South Negros.
The group supports the call of the victims’ families to the Commission on Human Rights and the Guihulngan City local government to investigate human rights violations cases. They again called for the ouster of the military from their communities.
