Makabayan solons seek probe on death of child, farmer in alleged AFP ops in Batangas

The Makabayan bloc of lawmakers have called for an investigation over the death of a child and a farmer in the aftermath of an alleged Philippine military operation in Batangas.

Representatives Arlene Brosas of Gabriela, France Castro of Alliance of Concerned Teachers and Raoul Manuel of Kabataan said the circumstances on the death of  nine-year-old Kyllene Casao in Taysan, Batangas last July 18 and 52-year-old Maximino Digno last July 26 should be looked into.

"It is the duty of the members of Congress, as representatives of the people, to defend the people's rights and investigate human rights violations . Therefore, it must investigate the killings and grave human rights violations,  particularly on the marginalized and underrepresented sectors in the society," the Makabayan solons said in filing House Resolution No. 125.

The lawmakers alleged that Casao was shot in the head and killed by the 59th Infantry Battalion (IB) while tending to her farm animals along with her father and brother.  Digno, who was mentally disabled, was also shot by the same group after he went to harvest coconuts.

Citing findings of Karapatan Southern Tagalog and Tanggol Batangas humanitarian mission team, they claimed the 59th IB has been linked to harassment and threat of residents in the province.

GMA News Online has reached out to the spokespersons of the Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines who have yet to respond as of posting time.—LDF, GMA News