US lawmakers call for independent probe into Negros 19 killings

WASHINGTON — A group of US lawmakers, led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington, is calling for an independent, impartial and credible investigation into the Philippine Army’s killing of 19 people in Negros Occidental, including two US citizens.

In a letter addressed to the Philippine government, the lawmakers expressed concern over the April 19 incident in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, where the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division killed 19 people.

Military officials have maintained that all of those killed were members of the New People’s Army

Among those killed were Seattle, Washington resident Kai Sorem and Lyle Prijoles, a human rights activist from Hayward, California.

Impartial, credible investigation

“Ms. Sorem, a 26-year-old resident of Seattle committed to advancing the interests of the most marginalized Filipinos, had traveled to Negros in the Philippines earlier this year to learn about and document the conditions of rural Filipino communities,” the lawmakers wrote. “Mr. Prijoles, a resident of Hayward, California, was a human rights activist and advocate for underserved and rural Filipino communities, including farmworkers.”

“We urge the Government of the Philippines to ensure an independent, impartial, and credible investigation into these killings,” they added.

The lawmakers noted that the Philippine Commission on Human Rights is investigating the incident but raised concerns that past inquiries have been hampered by alleged lack of cooperation from security forces, including the withholding of evidence and intimidation of witnesses.

They pointed out that the crime scene in the Toboso incident was reportedly secured by the same Philippine Army unit involved in the operation.

Part of a broader crackdown

The legislators also said the killings appear to be part of a broader crackdown on activists and members of progressive civil society organizations in the Philippines.

They cited concerns over the use of the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act and Terrorism Financing Act to prosecute individuals involved in human rights, environmental and humanitarian work.

In addition to Jayapal, the letter was signed by Reps. Maxine Dexter of Oregon, Jesús G. “Chuy” García of Illinois, James P. McGovern of Massachusetts, Kweisi Mfume of Maryland, Johnny Olszewski Jr. of Maryland, Delia C. Ramirez of Illinois and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.

Senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Adam Schiff of California and Chris Van Hollen of Maryland also joined the call for an impartial investigation.

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