A 72-year-old farmer recovering from an illness was reportedly abducted and killed by members of the 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army on the morning of July 29 in Brgy. Basak, Cauayan, according to an independent investigation by the human rights group September 21 Movement.

Ramon Enseniales, who was resting in a hut, was allegedly surrounded by soldiers and forcibly taken. Hours later, residents reported hearing gunshots.

On July 30, Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, spokesperson for the 3rd Infantry Division, told local media that Enseniales, whom the military claimed was affiliated with the New People’s Army (NPA), had died in a clash with the 15th IB.

September 21 Movement disputed this account, saying the villagers attest that there was no encounter in Sitio Pasto, Brgy Basak, Cauayan, as alleged by the military. They add that Ramon was a civilian and unarmed.

The September 21 Movement claims this is not an isolated incident, citing previous cases where farmers have been targeted and falsely accused of being rebels. They reference the killing of charcoal burner Waren Cadarin by the 15th IB in Sipalay and the death of farmer Crispin Tingal Jr. by the 94th IB in Kabankalan.

According to the September 21 Movement, such incidents are indicative of attempts by the military to obscure its failures in combating insurgency, leading to civilian casualties. The group reports growing fear among residents and calls for the withdrawal of military forces from the area.

The September 21 Movement is urging the Commission on Human Rights to launch a formal investigation into these civilian deaths.

Human Rights Advocate Negros (HRAN), in a separate statement, also condemned the incident and called it a breach in international humanitarian law.