Rights group slams military bombing in Capiz, seeks probe

By Juliane Judilla

Human rights groups have raised alarm over a series of military operations in rural villages of Tapaz, Capiz, denouncing what they described as the “indiscriminate bombardment” of civilian communities in the early hours of Aug. 22.

The operations, allegedly involving the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade along with the 82nd, 12th, and 61st Infantry Battalions and the Philippine Air Force, reportedly targeted areas near the boundary of Barangays Artuz, Tabon, and Agpalali.

According to initial reports and testimonies from local residents, the encounter began around 2 a.m. and was marked by intense artillery fire, aerial bombardment, and drone surveillance.

Residents said the attack caused widespread panic, forcing some families to flee their homes in fear.

Loud explosions echoed across the mountainous terrain, while the presence of military aircraft and drones heightened the terror experienced by local communities — including farmers and indigenous Tumandok groups who inhabit the area.

Rights group Panay Alliance – Karapatan condemned the operations, calling them a gross violation of international humanitarian law (IHL) and a dangerous escalation of militarization in rural communities.

“These actions not only escalate conflict but also inflict fear, displace, and endanger civilians,” the group said in a statement.

“We urgently call for the immediate cessation of military bombardment and militarization in Tapaz and other rural communities in Panay,” it added.

The group also demanded an independent investigation into the incident and urged accountability for what it described as “indiscriminate attacks” by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“Instead of commemorating IHL Month with mere words, authorities must demonstrate compliance in action — by refraining from the targeting of civilians, halting indiscriminate attacks, and upholding the rights and dignity of all those affected by war,” Karapatan said.

The military confirmed that one soldier was injured during the operation and is currently receiving medical treatment.

No confirmed casualties have been reported on the side of the armed revolutionary group, but the military reportedly recovered two M14 rifles, one M16 rifle (5.56mm), one AK-47 rifle, and one Garand rifle.

Tapaz, located in the mountainous interior of Capiz province, has long been a site of tension between government forces and armed rebel groups.

The area is also home to the Tumandok, a large indigenous population that has repeatedly called for the demilitarization of their ancestral lands.

In recent years, rights groups have accused state forces of allegedly targeting Tumandok leaders under counterinsurgency campaigns, citing past raids and arrests in the region.

As IHL Month is observed across the Philippines this August, rights defenders say the recent events in Tapaz serve as a critical reminder that respect for humanitarian law must go beyond symbolic gestures — and must be reflected in military conduct on the ground.