Residents of Vallehermoso and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental are reporting human rights violations and threats carried out by soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB), who have been conducting combat operations in the area.

On the morning of September 10, 62nd IB troops forcibly entered Renante Pasibog’s home in Sitio Banban 1, Barangay Bucalan, Canlaon City. The soldiers took a picture of Pasibog and threatened him for allegedly supporting the New People’s Army (NPA). They also occupied the house for a few days, drinking and shouting while staying there.

On the morning of September 11, Berto Recisio’s home was forcibly entered by 62nd IB troops as well and threatened him. In the afternoon, troops also forcibly entered other houses in Sitio Natae and Cambuslot, bordering Barangay Bucalan, Canlaon City and Barangay Guba, Vallehermoso.

Willie Ababa’s house was ransacked by the soldiers and forced him to give information on the NPA’s whereabouts.

Residents also report the soldiers were seen using drones to survey the area, making them fearful.

As of this reporting, the 62nd IB are still conducting combat operations in Vallehermoso and Canlaon City.