Two farmers are killed in an alleged armed encounter in Brgy. Taquico, Sampaloc, Quezon last November 17, 2021, Wednesday.
Reports state that Jorge Coronacion, 64 years old, and Arnold Buri, 43 years old, were murdered around 5:50 in the evening. The 59th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) alleges both Coronacion and Buri are members of rebel group New People’s Army (NPA).
The victims’ relatives, however, strongly deny the state forces’ accusations. Coronacion’s son asserts his father is not a member of the NPA, and has eye problems. He adds Coronacion doesn’t even know how to handle or use armed weapons.
On the other hand, Buri’s father states his son is a farmer to help his family make ends meet, and is also not a member of the NPA. Barangay Taquico’s captain Eliseo Mancenido shares the same sentiments and regards the victims as good people. He adds that both Coronacion and Buri do not have any criminal records in the barangay.
According to the residents, the alleged armed encounter reportedly took place not too far from the barangay’s center; yet, they assert that no gunshots were heard.
Coronacion and Buri’s family, alongside Barangay Taquico’s residents and other sectors, continue to clamor for justice.
Both add up to more than 360 killings of farmers under the Duterte regime.
