Families of Negros 19 Victims Demand Autopsies Amid Controversy
CHR: Kin of 3 ‘Negros 19’ fatalities seek autopsies

Image: Inquirer
Families of three victims from the 'Negros 19' incident in Toboso, Negros Occidental, Philippines, are requesting autopsies to investigate the circumstances of their deaths. The Commission on Human Rights is probing claims that some of the deceased were civilians, which could indicate violations of international humanitarian law.
- 01Families of victims Errol Wendel, Joros Caramihan, and Labskie Enustacion are seeking autopsies to determine bullet wounds.
- 02The Commission on Human Rights is investigating claims that six civilians were among the fatalities.
- 03Forensic tests revealed that 11 out of 19 bodies tested positive for gunpowder residue, suggesting they may have fired weapons.
- 04A national fact-finding mission identified six of the deceased as civilian advocates based on witness testimonies.
- 05Concerns have been raised about potential tampering of the crime scene and evidence planting.
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The families of three victims from the 'Negros 19' incident are advocating for autopsies to clarify the circumstances surrounding their deaths during a military encounter in Toboso, Negros Occidental, Philippines, on April 19. The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is involved in the investigation, particularly focusing on claims that six of the deceased were civilians, which would constitute a violation of international humanitarian law. CHR Commissioner Beda Epres stated that the families want to ascertain where the victims were shot as part of the investigation. Forensic results indicated that 11 out of 19 bodies tested positive for gunpowder residue, suggesting they may have recently fired firearms. However, the Philippine Army insists that all fatalities were members of the New People’s Army (NPA) engaged in a legitimate armed conflict. A national fact-finding mission has contested this, asserting that six of the deceased were civilian advocates, raising concerns about the integrity of the crime scene and the possibility of evidence tampering. The CHR awaits clearance for exhumation to proceed with its forensic investigation.
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The investigation could lead to significant legal and political repercussions if civilian casualties are confirmed, impacting local communities and human rights advocacy in the region.
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