By Shan Kenshin Ecaldre
Bulatlat.com

CABUYAO, Laguna — A father on his way to his child’s moving-up ceremony was killed in a remote barangay in Sorsogon on March 25, 2026 with human rights groups disputing the military’s claim that his death was caused by a stray bullet.

James Quiñones of Barangay Juan Adre was fatally shot while passing near a riverbank as gunfire erupted between troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

According to a fact-finding mission conducted on April 4 by Karapatan Bicol, Karapatan Sorsogon, and Anakpawis Bicol, Quiñones sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Witness accounts gathered by the group indicate that he was hit by bullets coming from the direction of government troop positions.

The AFP earlier said Quiñones was killed by a stray bullet during the encounter. However, his family and residents who saw his body questioned this, saying the number and location of the wounds suggest otherwise.

Residents recalled hearing bursts of gunfire at around 7 a.m., believed to have originated from an area separated by mountainous terrain from the barangay center. Despite concerns raised by his family, Quiñones proceeded to leave home to attend his child’s school activity.

He was reportedly waiting near a river crossing after missing a boat ride when he was struck by gunfire and died on the spot.

Community members who later examined the body said Quiñones had a gunshot wound to the head and several others in his body. His remains reportedly stayed near the river for hours before being retrieved, as residents hesitated to approach due to the presence of armed soldiers in the vicinity.

Probe met with intimidation

Days after the incident, a five-member team from human rights and sectoral organizations went to Barangay Juan Adre to gather information and assist the bereaved family.

In their report, the team noted that soldiers were still deployed in civilian areas, including near the barangay health center, daycare facility, and residential zones.

After meeting barangay officials, the group was stopped by military personnel and asked to log their details before leaving. They were then held for several hours and subjected to questioning.

Team members said they were separated and brought to different locations, including a health center, an old detention facility, and a daycare center. They were required to present identification cards and sign documents.

One member was questioned about a previously dismissed legal case. Personal belongings, including mobile phones and wallets, were inspected, and some contents were photographed. Their contact details were also taken.

The group said the questioning lasted for nearly five hours. Before being allowed to leave, they were asked to sign a statement indicating that they were not harmed and were photographed holding the document.

Human rights groups described the incident as harassment and interference in a legitimate fact-finding mission.

Climate of fear

Residents and the fact-finding team reported continued military presence in the barangay days after the encounter, with troops seen occupying or stationed near civilian facilities.

For local communities, such presence contributes to an atmosphere of fear, particularly in the aftermath of armed encounters.

Human rights advocates said the situation raises concerns not only over the killing of a civilian but also over the ability of independent groups to document incidents and provide support to affected families.

Calls for accountability

Defend Bicol and other human rights organizations called for an independent and transparent investigation into the killing of Quiñones.

They also urged authorities to look into the reported treatment of the fact-finding team, warning that such actions could undermine efforts to establish the facts surrounding the incident.

The groups called on the Commission on Human Rights to conduct its own inquiry and ensure accountability for any violations.

As of writing, no further detailed explanation has been issued by authorities addressing the discrepancies between official statements and accounts from the ground.

For Quiñones’s family, the demand remains straightforward: accountability for his death and justice beyond official claims. (RTS, RVO)

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