• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A broad coalition of 32 civil society organizations in Negros has issued a joint call for the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front to end hostilities and resume peace negotiations.
The appeal follows the April 19 military operations in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, which resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals, including two minors.
They called on the provincial government of Negros Occidental and local authorities to exercise their mandates to address these root causes through inclusive and equitable development.
They also urged all parties involved to uphold their commitment in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
In a statement, the group expressed concern over conflicting narratives and called for a credible, transparent investigation to ensure accountability and establish the truth.
“All of us – government and citizens – must seek ways to address these ills more effectively,” the Negrosanon Initiative for Climate and the Environment Inc. said.
The signatories, ranging from groups like Paghimud-os Negros Inc. and Task Force Detainees of the Philippines – Visayas, to Caritas Bacolod, emphasized that the ongoing conflict is linked to systemic issues such as poverty, land access, and the marginalization of rural communities.*
