Officials of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) promised not to commit abuse when they intensify their presence in communities in executing war against the New People’s Army (NPA).
People are worried all-out war declaration by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana would result to collateral damage and displacement of civilians especially in areas where the NPA sanctuaries.
On Tuesday, Lorenzana announced the government forces will carry out all-out war operations against the NPA following President Rodrigo Duterte’s order suspending peace talks with the communist groups.)
“Yes, it is an all-out war kasi they are considered by the President already as terrorists. We also consider them as terrorists,” Lorenzana said during a press conference in manila on Tuesday.
The all-out offensive will be limited only to the armed component of the rebel group and not to their peaceful supporters and the military has already started preparing for battle following sporadic skirmishes in Mindoro and several provinces in Mindanao for the past two days.)
10th Infantry Division Commanding General Major General Rafael Valencia confirmed they are now taking a heightened presence in areas to immediately act on sightings, prevent the NPA rebels to mount extortion activities, burning and harassment of civilians to force them join the armed revolutionaries such as what happened in Manay, Davao Oriental.
But he vowed to respect human rights and abide by the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
If there are violations committed by soldiers, Valencia encouraged people to report and file a complaint to appropriate agencies.
“People should report the truth and must not go beyond mere propaganda. People can help cleanse the organization,” Valencia said at Wednesday’s AFP-PNP press corps conference at Davao City Police Office (DPCO).
He said they have raised awareness on human rights and IHL among soldiers as part of their training.
“We are very strict in observing the rules,” he said.
Police Regional office (PRO) 11 Director Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan said they are aware that the legal fronts of the NPA are already preparing their Oplan Bakwit as scenario to blame the army and police. Ayan C. Mellejor
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