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Advocates Philippines
NPA Member Charged In Soldier's Death; Army Urges Respect
Photo credit: 2nd Infantry
An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) is facing a murder charge in connection with the death of an Army officer following a clash in Occidental Mindoro, the Philippine Army said.
The 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division reported that the charge stems from an encounter on March 29 in San Jose town, where government troops engaged a fleeing armed group in Sitio Salafay, Barangay Monteclaro. During the operation, Captain Dean Buen Oyando was killed, while two other soldiers were wounded.
The suspect was identified as Charlize Garzon, also known as “Ka Kaye,” and is currently under the custody of the San Jose Municipal Police Station.
Despite confirming the arrest, the Army raised concern over the circulation of the suspect’s identity and photograph online. The 2nd Infantry Division said it had intentionally withheld such details to protect the individual’s rights and preserve her dignity, even as she faces criminal charges.
The military noted that some groups associated with the communist movement, including Karapatan Southern Tagalog, released the suspect’s identity publicly, which the Army said could expose her and her family to potential risks.
According to the division, its decision to refrain from disclosing personal information was guided by established operational procedures and humanitarian principles in handling individuals involved in armed conflict.
Officials emphasized that the Army remains bound by the rule of law and is committed to upholding human rights, regardless of a person’s involvement in hostilities. They also stressed that professionalism and respect for dignity remain part of military operations while addressing security threats.
The 2nd Infantry Division further called on the public to be more discerning about information circulating online and to support efforts that promote responsibility, truth, and lasting peace.
The 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division reported that the charge stems from an encounter on March 29 in San Jose town, where government troops engaged a fleeing armed group in Sitio Salafay, Barangay Monteclaro. During the operation, Captain Dean Buen Oyando was killed, while two other soldiers were wounded.
The suspect was identified as Charlize Garzon, also known as “Ka Kaye,” and is currently under the custody of the San Jose Municipal Police Station.
Despite confirming the arrest, the Army raised concern over the circulation of the suspect’s identity and photograph online. The 2nd Infantry Division said it had intentionally withheld such details to protect the individual’s rights and preserve her dignity, even as she faces criminal charges.
The military noted that some groups associated with the communist movement, including Karapatan Southern Tagalog, released the suspect’s identity publicly, which the Army said could expose her and her family to potential risks.
According to the division, its decision to refrain from disclosing personal information was guided by established operational procedures and humanitarian principles in handling individuals involved in armed conflict.
Officials emphasized that the Army remains bound by the rule of law and is committed to upholding human rights, regardless of a person’s involvement in hostilities. They also stressed that professionalism and respect for dignity remain part of military operations while addressing security threats.
The 2nd Infantry Division further called on the public to be more discerning about information circulating online and to support efforts that promote responsibility, truth, and lasting peace.
Apr 1, 2026
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