Catholic Church leaders in the the Archdiocese of Capiz condemned the killings of farmers and indigenous peoples who were accused of being communist rebels on the island of Panay last week.
“This incident raises our concern and thus, vehemently condemn this act of violence,” read a statement from the Capiz Archdiocesan Social Action Center.
Army and police officials claimed that they killed nine and arrested 17 guerrillas of the communist New People’s Army in the provinces of Iloilo and Capiz before the year ended.
They said the military operations were covered by 28 search and arrest warrants.
Human rights groups and families of the slain disputed the government report, saying most of the victims were executed in the style of “drug war” killings.
“Sadly, some of the victims were farmers and members of the indigenous people’s tribe. Some are still missing and families are grieving,” read the church group’s statement.
The archdiocese called on authorities to press on with the investigation “so that justice will be served.”
“Show us the genuine results founded on truth and justice,” added the church group as it called on the public to “remain steadfast” with the commitment to the “sanctity of life, justice, human dignity and peace.”
“Together, we have to fight the root of this evil,” added the statement.
