Soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) and rebel “surrenderees” in two separate incidents, allegedly beat a farmer and threatened three residents in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental over accusations of links to the New People’s Army (NPA), reports rights group September 21 Movement in a statement released earlier today.

On July 16, 2025, at around 6:00 a.m., farmer Jovie Pajardo, a resident of Sitio Amora, Brgy. Pinokawan, Vallehermoso, was at his farm hut in Sitio Natae, Brgy. Bocalan, Canlaon City, when he was approached by soldiers accompanied by “surrenderees.”

Pajardo was accused of talking to members of the New People’s Army (NPA), an allegation he strongly denied.

In response, the soldiers and “surrenderees” beat him and threatened him, saying: “Inde ka manugid nga ginkastigo ka namon kay kung manugid ka, balikan ka namon kag patyon.” (“Don’t tell anyone we beat you, because if you do, we will come back and kill you.”)

Nine days later, on July 25 at around 9:00 a.m., brothers Jerome and Jose were summoned by the military to the oval in Canlaon City and accused of supporting the NPA.

They were also warned not to continue any such “support,” causing them fear and anxiety for their safety.

“These are desperate acts by the military to silence the people through intimidation and violence,” the S21 Movement said.

“Such actions are blatant violations of human rights and a direct breach of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).”

The group called for an immediate end to the militarization of the countryside, respect for the rights of farmers and civilians, and accountability from the 62nd IB for the harm they have caused to rural communities.