Captured NPA member charged in killing of Army officer

A captured member of the New People’s Army (NPA) is now facing a murder charge in connection with the death of an Army officer during an encounter in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on 29 March, the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division said.

The suspect, identified as Charleze Garzon, also known as Ka Kaye, was captured following the firefight in Sitio Salafay, Barangay Monteclaro, where Capt. Dean Buen Oyando was killed and two other soldiers were wounded while pursuing fleeing rebels. Garzon is currently under the custody of the San Jose Municipal Police Station.

The Philippine Army also called for respect for human dignity following the circulation online of Garzon’s identity and photograph, stressing that individuals involved in armed conflict remain entitled to basic rights.

According to the 2nd Infantry Division, the decision to withhold the suspect’s identity was based on operational procedures and humanitarian principles governing the treatment of persons in conflict situations.

“Even if a person has taken up arms against the government, that does not mean we strip them of their basic rights and dignity. As soldiers, we are duty-bound to respect human rights at all times,” said Col. Michael Aquino, chief of the division’s Public Affairs Office.

Aquino warned that public exposure of personal information could endanger individuals and their families, noting that some groups had circulated such details online.

“It is concerning that while our troops chose restraint and respect for the individual’s rights, others were quick to publicize her identity for their propaganda without any regard for the possible consequences,” he said.

The Army urged the public to be discerning of information online and to support efforts promoting responsible reporting and lasting peace.