A couple from Sitio Mabato, Barangay Talaon, La Libertad, Negros Oriental claimed they were illegally searched, interrogated, and threatened by elements from the 62nd Infantry Battalion in connection to an alleged encounter with New Peoples Army rebels last March 15.

In a Facebook post published the following day, the 62nd IB declared a three-minute armed encounter with purported “remnants” from the Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army at the boundaries of Barangays Aya and Talaon, La Libertad, Negros Oriental, at 9:18 in the evening of March 15.

On that evening at 8:00, the household of the Pecore family was awoken by the sound of gunfire, recounted Maribel Pecore, speaking to rights group Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN).

Maribel, who works as a Barangay Population Development Officer (BPDO), saw armed individuals in civilian clothing surrounding their home. Together with her niece, Maribel confronted the armed men who claimed to have seen NPA rebels coming out of their house.

Maribel denied such accusations and identified the men as elements from the Philippine Army, as she recognized them previously passing by the Barangay Hall, where she works.

Despite her objections, the armed men forcibly entered and searched their home, presenting no warrants, recalled Maribel.

Subsequently, on March 18, Maribel and her husband Randy, a farmer and local veterinarian, were summoned by the Philippine Army in La Libertad town proper.

Accompanied by Maribel’s sister, who serves as the chairwoman of Barangay Talaon, La Libertad, they were taken to a hut near the sea. There, Maribel was interrogated by a soldier who did not identify himself, alongside the same soldiers seen during the March 15 incident.

The interrogation focused on the alleged presence of members of the NPA and the purported firearms. Maribel adamantly denied all accusations.

One of the interrogators threatened legal action if she refused to cooperate, but Maribel stood her ground. After the interrogation, she was allowed to return home.

Due to concerns for their safety, the Pecore family vacated their residence and sought refuge with relatives.

This is not the first time the Pecore couple has faced harassment from elements from the 62nd IB. In January 2023, their house was illegally searched and ransacked on mere suspicions of support for rebels.

In a press statement dated March 26, JB Regalado, rebel spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command of the NPA, denied such an encounter transpired on March 15. Regalado claimed there is no presence of any of their units in the area.