Rights group to CHR: Probe deaths of NDF consultant, companion companion slay  

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has been asked to conduct an investigation into the deaths of National Democratic Front (NDF) consultant Ericson Acosta and his companion in a supposed encounter with soldiers in Negros Occidental on Wednesday.

Citing reports of the NDF-Negros,  Karapatan said there was no firefight as Acosta and peasant organizer Joseph Jimenez of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas were captured alive by soldiers belonging to the 47th and 94th Infantry Battalions in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi in Kabankalan City.

The military denied the claim of NDF-Negros, saying the two were killed in an encounter.

Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said the suspected summary killing of Acosta and Jimenez was a “glaring violation” of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

Palabay said the supposed execution of the two was also in violation of  Republic Act 9851 or the Act on Crime Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

Acosta served as NDF consultant during peace talks with the government in 2016 and 2017.

He was a political prisoner from 2011 to 2013. He was released after the Department of Justice junked the charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives filed against him.

Karapatan said authorities  should also “respect the rights of the families of the deceased and their legal representatives in their efforts to have access and claim the remains of their loved ones.”