A left-leaning human rights group has accused the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of violating international humanitarian law following military operations against communist rebels in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro that reportedly led to the death of a student on 1 January.

Karapatan said the military conducted aerial strafing and bombing in areas where civilian communities are located, putting residents at risk and damaging farms, including those belonging to indigenous peoples.

The group is calling on the AFP to stop all aerial attacks, pull out troops from civilian communities, and allow independent fact-finding missions and humanitarian access to affected areas.

The military, however, has previously accused Karapatan of aiding communist rebels, including helping bail out arrested rebel leaders.

In its account, the Philippine Army’s 203rd Infantry Brigade said ground operations were initially launched after residents reported the presence of armed New People’s Army (NPA) members in Sitio Mamara, Barangay Cabacao. The troops figured in three encounters with the rebels.

Due to difficult terrain and limited maneuvering space, the brigade said it later employed guided close air support to prevent the armed group from regrouping and expanding into nearby areas.

“Following the air support operation, government forces immediately secured the area and conducted clearing operations,” the brigade said.

During post-operation assessment, troops found the body of a female NPA member later identified as Jerlyn Rose Doydora, reportedly a student of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. Two soldiers were also wounded during the clashes and were airlifted to the AFP Medical Center for treatment.

The AFP’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) said air support was used to ensure the safety of ground troops and to facilitate the evacuation of a soldier wounded by an improvised explosive device.

Solcom added that the use of air assets was consistent with the AFP’s rules of engagement and operational protocols, which it said take civilian welfare into account.

Karapatan, however, claimed residents saw military helicopters dropping bombs and strafing mountainous areas near civilian communities.