Fact-finding team denies Mangyan child deaths in Mindoro clash

An independent fact-finding team has denied claims that Mangyan children were killed during a New Year’s Day clash between government forces and communist rebels in Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro.

In a statement released Wednesday, Buklod Kapayapaan Federation Inc. said its investigation found no civilian casualties in the 1 January encounter between government troops and the New People’s Army, contradicting allegations by militant and human rights groups that three Iraya-Mangyan children died during the operation.

Based on interviews with residents, barangay health workers, sitio leaders, and parents, the group said no civilians were harmed.

“Kumpleto ang mga bata dito sa amin... walang bawas, walang namatay, walang nasugatan,” four barangay health workers told the fact-finding team.

The findings run counter to earlier claims that three Iraya-Mangyan children were killed and one mother injured due to alleged indiscriminate bombing by government forces.

BKFI, together with Hands Off Our Children Movement Inc., conducted a three-day fact-finding and solidarity mission from 26 to 28 January in Barangay Cabacao to determine what transpired during the clash that resulted in the death of student Jerlyn Rose Doydora.

According to the report, the armed encounter occurred in a pasture area several hundred meters away from residential houses. Residents told investigators they only heard gunfire from a distance and were not caught in the crossfire.

The report also disputed claims by the National Democratic Front that Doydora and other students, including Filipino-American Chantal Anicoche, were conducting research or immersion activities in the area at the time.

The fact-finding team said it interviewed 20 respondents, none of whom were aware of any student or youth group conducting formal research or immersion in the community.

Investigators also noted that Abra de Ilog enforces a Dayo Ordinance requiring non-residents to register and seek permission from the municipal government before conducting activities. Barangay officials said no youth organization formally sought clearance.

The team visited the encounter site and found bullet casings believed to be linked to the armed groups, confirming that a clash occurred. Members of the mission also offered prayers at the site where Doydora’s body was found.