Palace on Negros 14: Don’t believe leftist propaganda

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has urged the public not to fall for what it described as “leftist propaganda” in connection with the killing of 14 people in police operations in Negros Oriental.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the incidents were “legitimate” police operations and not a massacre as claimed by human rights groups. 

“We welcome any investigation on the matter,” Panelo said in a statement issued on Friday.  

“In the meantime, we urge the public not to be swayed by leftist propaganda, especially those stemming from groups linked with the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army, designed to stigmatize each and every operation of our law enforcers,” he added. 

The 14 were killed in separate operations launched by authorities against what they said were hardcore criminals.

Activists have been claiming the fatalities were farmers and described the incidents as extrajudicial killings. 

Farmers’ groups Unyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Agrikultura and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas as well as human rights group Karapatan announced plans to conduct a fact-finding probe on the police operations. 

While authorities insisted that the 14 were killed in “shootouts,” the chief of the Negros Oriental police and three municipal  police chiefs were relieved from their posts to supposedly give way to an impartial investigation. 

Panelo said it was unfortunate that “interest groups” are using the Negros Oriental incident to spread hate and fear toward duly constituted authorities. 

He said the police officers were implementing search warrants issued by courts.

Panelo said the fatalities resisted arrest.

“This is not a case of massacre given the fact that those who surrendered without forceful resistance were lawfully apprehended unharmed following the discovery of illegal items pursuant to the court sanctioned search,” he said.  

“A policeman was wounded, which goes to show that there were indeed some who used violent resistance when authorities were conducting the search,” he added. 

Panelo defended Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde from critics who urged him to resign over the incident.

He said Albayalde acted objectively by relieving ranking officers to pave the way for a thorough and impartial investigation, and to determine whether lapses were committed during the operations.

“There is absolutely no basis in fact and in law for Gen. Oscar Albayalde to resign,” he said.