By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Progressive groups denounced as a “massacre” the simultaneous raids conducted by the authorities in Tapaz, Capiz and Calinog, Iloilo that resulted in the killing of 9 persons and the arrest of 16 individuals on Dec 30, 2020.
Darlene Surriga of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan(Bayan-Capiz) said the group will continue to protest against the government to attain justice to the victims of the alleged botched raids. In a prayer rally held evening of Jan 4, 2021 at the Roxas City plaza, the group lit candles for the deceased.
The group urged Capiz Governor Esteban Evan Nonoy Contreras to conduct an independent investigation and give attention to the plight of the victims and their families.
The left-leaning groups strongly believe that the firearms and explosives recovered by authorities from the houses of the deceased and arrested persons were “planted” considering that they were poor.
Meanwhile, journalists in Capiz were surprised by the restrictions imposed by the local government of Tapaz. According to the Tapaz Security Force (TSF) that is manning the check point in Brgy. Bagong Barrio, Tapaz, they are merely implementing the order of Tapaz Mayor Roberto ‘Nonong’ Palomar following the bloody raid of PNP and Philippine Army.
The TSF said that non-Tapaz residents and the media were not allowed to enter the town without prior business transactions.
On the other hand, lawyer Remia Fuentes-Bartolome, President of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Capiz Chapter, said their group is ready to give legal assistance to the victims of Tapaz raids.
A former member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz, Bartolome said the group condoled with the families of the victims.
