BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Human rights group Karapatan Central Visayas raised concern over what it said was the military’s unclear handling of the remains of Vince Francis “Ding” Dingding, a former University of the Philippines Cebu student leader killed in a May 16th military operation in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
Dingding’s friends and paralegals were reportedly told by staff of R & S Funeral Homes that his body was being prepared for transport, but that workers could not identify its destination. Funeral staff were reportedly instructed by military and police personnel to place the body inside a crate.
Dingding was among five New People’s Army members killed in a series of reported encounters in Barangays Abaca and Poblacion, Cauayan. Authorities said the clashes happened four times on May 16. Human rights groups and the Communist Party of the Philippines have called for an investigation into possible violations of international humanitarian law during the operation.
Karapatan Central Visayas also questioned the circumstances behind a handwritten letter by Dingding’s parents, made public by the NTF-ELCAC, saying they would no longer claim his body and understood local officials would facilitate his burial in Cauayan.
The group said the letter was written after people identifying themselves as AFP Visayas Command personnel visited the family’s residence on May 18.
Karapatan Central Visayas called on authorities to disclose where Dingding’s remains would be taken and to respect the rights and wishes of his family.
“Dingding was more than a talking point in a counterinsurgency campaign,” the group said.
Paghimutad 