An arrested member of the New People’s Army (NPA) is facing murder charges in connection with the death of an Army officer during a March 29, 2026 encounter in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, as military officials call for respect for human dignity amid the circulation of the suspect’s personal information online.
The captured individual was identified as Charleze Garzon, also known as Ka Kaye within the communist rebel group. The charge stems from the firefight in Sitio Salafay, Barangay Monteclaro, where Captain Dean Buen Oyando was killed and two other soldiers were wounded while pursuing the fleeing armed group.
Garzon is currently under the custody of the San Jose Municipal Police Station in Occidental Mindoro, according to a statement from Camp Capinpin in Rizal.
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Army Withholds Suspect Information to Protect Rights
The 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division deliberately withheld the suspect’s identity and photograph to protect her rights and preserve her dignity, even as several groups allied with the communist movement publicly released this information.
Karapatan Southern Tagalog and other organizations publicly disclosed Garzon’s identity and photograph, which the military said violated established protocols for handling captured individuals involved in armed conflict.
According to the 2nd Infantry Division, the decision to refrain from publicly disclosing the captured individual’s identity was guided by established operational procedures and humanitarian principles that govern the treatment of persons involved in armed conflict.
Military Officials Emphasize Human Rights Protection
Colonel Michael Aquino, Chief of the 2nd Division Public Affairs Office, emphasized that the Army remains bound by the rule of law and by its responsibility to respect human dignity, regardless of an individual’s actions against the government.
“Even if a person has taken up arms against the government, that does not mean we strip them of their basic rights and dignity. As soldiers, we are duty-bound to respect human rights at all times,” Colonel Aquino said in a statement released April 1, 2026.
The military official noted that the public exposure of sensitive personal information could place individuals and their families at risk, raising concerns about the motivations behind such disclosures.
Criticism of Propaganda Tactics by Allied Groups
“It is concerning that while our troops chose restraint and respect for the individual’s rights, others were quick to publicize her identity for their propaganda without any regard for the possible consequences,” Colonel Aquino added.
The statement reflects growing tensions between military forces and human rights organizations that have historically criticized government counter-insurgency operations while simultaneously advocating for the rights of captured rebels.
Colonel Aquino stressed that the Army’s actions reflect its commitment to professionalism and lawful conduct, distinguishing military operations from politically motivated information campaigns.
March 29 Encounter Details
The fatal encounter occurred during military operations targeting NPA forces in the mountainous region of Occidental Mindoro. Captain Oyando, who gave what military officials described as “the ultimate sacrifice,” was leading troops in pursuit of the fleeing armed group when the firefight erupted.
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The operation resulted in the capture of Garzon and the wounding of two other soldiers, whose conditions have not been disclosed. The military has not released details about other potential casualties among the NPA forces involved in the encounter.
San Jose, Occidental Mindoro has been identified as an area of NPA activity, with military forces conducting regular operations to neutralize threats to local communities in the region.
Professional Standards in Counter-Insurgency Operations
“Our soldiers are in the field to secure communities from the harms of terrorism. At the same time, we remain steadfast in upholding the dignity of every person, even those who once stood on the other side of the conflict,” Colonel Aquino said.
The statement represents the military’s effort to demonstrate adherence to international humanitarian law and human rights standards while conducting operations against communist rebels who have been waging insurgency for decades.
The 2nd Infantry Division’s approach contrasts with historical criticisms of military conduct during counter-insurgency operations, particularly regarding the treatment of captured individuals and civilian populations in conflict areas.
Call for Public Discernment
The 2nd Infantry Division called on the public to remain discerning of information circulating online and to support efforts that promote truth, responsibility, and lasting peace. This appeal comes amid increasing use of social media platforms for disseminating information related to armed conflicts.
Military officials expressed concern about the rapid spread of unverified information and the potential for such content to influence public perception of ongoing security operations.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in balancing transparency, security considerations, and human rights protection in the Philippines’ long-running conflict with communist insurgents.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Garzon’s murder case will proceed through the Philippine judicial system, with prosecutors expected to present evidence related to Captain Oyando’s death during the March 29 encounter.
The charges represent part of the government’s broader legal strategy to hold NPA members accountable for actions taken during armed confrontations with security forces.
Military officials indicated that additional charges may be filed depending on the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the encounter and any other criminal activities attributed to the captured individual.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of 2nd Infantry Division/AFP
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