By Matthew Go
Two farmers were reportedly shot and arrested by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on December 12 in Barangay Guinhalinan, San Narciso, Quezon, according to rights group Tanggol Quezon.
The AFP claimed the incident followed an armed clash with the New People’s Army (NPA), asserting that the farmers were NPA supporters caught in the crossfire.
However, Tanggol Quezon disputed this account, stating that the farmers were targeted and detained without charges.
According to witnesses, Ronilo Villanueva, a coconut farmer, was allegedly shot in the knee and stomach by soldiers from the 85th Infantry Battalion while processing copra. A second farmer, identified as Genero, was also arrested.
Tanggol Quezon criticized the military for pressuring local officials to issue a “certificate of legitimate encounter” and for hindering their fact-finding mission with checkpoints and surveillance.
Since the incident, the area has reportedly been under a “de facto martial law” with military checkpoints and restrictions on local events.
The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) condemned the actions of the 85th Infantry Battalion, citing violations of international humanitarian law. Tanggol Quezon is calling for the immediate release of Villanueva and Genero and urges local authorities to resist military interference.
The Philippine Army’s 85th Infantry Battalion has not released yet an official statement regarding the incident.