MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — A woman was killed and her husband wounded after soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB) allegedly mistook the couple for members of the New People’s Army (NPA) during an encounter in a remote area of Barangay St. Peter, Malaybalay City on June 15.
The fatal incident occurred at around 10 a.m. in Sitio Mahayag, a mountainous community near the Bukidnon-Agusan boundary, where military forces have been conducting security operations amid ongoing insurgency concerns.
According to Lt. Col. Arnold Bautista, commander of the 88th Infantry Battalion, soldiers from a Forward Operating Detachment encountered the couple while patrolling the area. Troops reportedly observed what they believed to be a firearm, initially identified as an M14 rifle fitted with a scope, leading them to suspect that the individuals were members of the communist rebel group.
In an interview, Bautista said the military personnel attempted to verify the identities of the individuals. However, the couple allegedly became frightened and fled, prompting soldiers to open fire after reportedly noticing what they believed was a .22-caliber rifle in the possession of the husband.
The shooting resulted in the death of the wife, identified as Nenita Buscada, while her husband sustained injuries and was rushed for medical treatment.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the victims were residents of Sitio Mahayag and had reportedly been gathering firewood in the forest before the incident. Family members and community leaders said the couple intended to sell the collected wood to raise money for their child’s school supplies.
Army acknowledges error, launches investigation
The Philippine Army has acknowledged the possibility of a mistaken identification and vowed to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
Bautista disclosed that the eight soldiers involved have already been placed under the custody of the battalion pending the outcome of the inquiry.
“If the investigation establishes that military protocols were violated, the soldiers directly involved may face appropriate charges,” Bautista said.
The battalion commander also publicly apologized to the family of the victims and assured them that the military would extend assistance and support to the bereaved family.
“We deeply regret what happened and will do everything possible to help the family affected by this tragedy,” he said.
The military has also taken responsibility for facilitating funeral arrangements for Buscada and committed to providing the family’s immediate needs.
Heightened military alert cited
Bautista explained that soldiers operating in the area were on heightened alert due to previous armed encounters involving communist rebels.
He noted that military personnel had been ambushed in the area in 2024 and that recent clashes had also occurred in nearby Barangay Busdi. These incidents, he said, contributed to the heightened vigilance of troops conducting patrol operations in the region.
However, he emphasized that the circumstances surrounding the shooting would still undergo comprehensive investigation to determine accountability.
Indigenous community seeks justice
The incident has sparked concern among local indigenous communities.
Datu Lailay, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Barangay St. Peter, expressed grief over the death of one of their tribe members and called for justice for the victims.
He urged authorities to ensure a fair, transparent, and independent investigation into the shooting, saying the community deserves clear answers regarding what transpired.
“We hope the family receives justice and that the investigation will be conducted fairly and transparently,” the tribal leader said.
Lailay also confirmed that initial dialogues and coordination efforts have already begun between community representatives and military officials in an effort to address the concerns arising from the incident.
Calls for accountability
The tragedy has renewed discussions on military rules of engagement and the protection of civilians in conflict-affected communities, particularly in remote indigenous areas where residents often rely on forest resources for their livelihood.
As investigations continue, the wounded husband remains under medical care while family members, community leaders, and human rights advocates await the findings of the military inquiry.
The Philippine Army has pledged full cooperation with the investigation and assured the public that appropriate actions will be taken should any violations be established against the soldiers involved.