Contrary to the so-called obligation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to defend the people, the numerous cases of extrajudicial killings committed by these oppressive government forces only proves the hypocrisy of the Aquino administration in combating human rights abuses in the country. For the people of Cordillera, such actions are no less than an act of terrorism against them, who supposedly are the same people that they are mandated to protect.

With this we are disgusted on the recent awards given to the troops of 41^st Infantry Battalion despite their reputation as cold-blooded killers and human rights abusers. In a news report, it says that they were awarded for their campaign against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Guinguinabang and Barangay Poblacion, Lacub Abra on September 4. However, such action does not just disrespect the families of the two civilians they killed but also tolerates the criminal acts of the said soldiers.

From the recent fact finding mission of the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance, the continuing military operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) in Lacub, Abra had brought two civilian deaths. Among them is Engr. Fidela Salvador, staff of activist NGOs CDPC and CORDIS who was then on a monitoring visit for various socio-economic projects of CORDIS in Lacub. Also a local civilian named Noel Viste was also killed after being used by AFP as a human shield.  Both civilians were proudly included by the 41^st IB to the eight NPA rebels they have killed. Based on the condition of the retrieved body of Engr. Salvador as reflected autopsy report, she was tortured like what AFP did to other NPA members who were also killed in the said military operations. In addition, local residents in Lacub have reported incidents of indiscriminate firing in their communities, illegal detentions of civilians and the use of local residents as both human shield and guides against their will in the conduct of the AFP’s military operations.

The government should bear in mind that such actions of the AFP are clear violations of International Humanitarian Laws. The use of civilians as human shield alone is considered an illegal act. More than that, torturing and killing a non-combatant civilian is needless to say unlawful and must be condemned.

With this, we urge the government to uphold justice and conduct an impartial investigation without any cover-ups. Moreover, the government forces should stop the harassment of non-government institutions and organizations while conducting their independent investigations on the said issue. We also urge other organizations, individuals and institutions to support our campaign for the AFP to stop intimidating the people of Lacub, Abra and demand the immediate pull-out of their troops in the area.

Furthermore, we urge Aquino administration- including the Department of National Defense, Department of Justice, Commission on Human Rights and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process to condemn such act of terrorism of the AFP. This is following the claim of the 41st Infantry Battalion that they are responsible on the killing of Viste and Salvador, who were proven to be civilians.

Government of the Philippines (GRP) should recognize that there is an ongoing civil war in the country due to the discontent of the people with the present government, thus the presence of the New People’s Army. With this, we are also calling for the GRP to accept the appeal of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to resume formal peace talks. In this way, both sides may discuss reforms on how to address the roots of the armed conflict in the country, leading to long-lasting peace and socio-economic benefits for the Filipino people.

Justice for all victims of state terrorism and uphold international humanitarian law!

Hold AFP accountable for their crimes against the people of Lacub!

Pull-out AFP in Lacub, Abra!

 

reference: Pol Pulmano

Coordinator of Anakbayan Cordillera

anakbayancordillera@gmail.com

446-2106