Army calls on human rights advocates to condemn NPA attacks against innocent civilians

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 28): Army calls on human rights advocates to condemn NPA attacks against innocent civilians

Following the latest brutal killing of a civilian by the New Peoples Army (NPA) in Barangay Lilingayon, Valencia City, the 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army (8IB PA) here, is calling for human rights advocates such as “Karapatan” and “Kasilo” to draw greater attention to human rights violations and condemn the crimes committed by the NPAs. Lt. Col. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, commanding officer, 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, said what the NPAs are doing is a blatant disregard for human life when they abduct and execute innocent civilians. Cuerpo reported that about 20 rebels forcibly entered village councillor Juliet Zulieta’s home, and killed her husband, Conrado Zulieta in Purok 1, Barangay Lilingayon, Valencia City. Reports said Conrado’s bones cracked. His hands and legs were warped and twisted before he was shot and killed in a nearby secluded part of their house, early morning last week. “Where are the voices of anger and outrage? These human rights advocates should speak out and denounce these relentless attacks and killings,” Cuerpo asked. He said the NPAs were the prime perpetrators on the death of a minor and wounding nine others when an unnamed rebel speaker accidentally dropped a grenade and exploded in front of the curious children and adults while they were taught how to use the firepower and make an improvised explosive device. Said explosion happened during an NPA “teach-in” attended by villagers in Barangay Sampaguita, Kibawe, Bukidnon, early this year, the army reported. He added that the NPA rebels also burned down cargo trucks, vehicles, and extorted money from agricultural and construction companies in the province. These human rights advocates have been silent in condemning this barbarism of the NPAs against innocent civilians in different parts of the country, he added. “Now is the time for them to speak out, and call those who raise violence to uphold human rights as their share in building steps towards peace and to be firm on what they claim as “protectors of people’s rights,” Cuerpo said.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1501353976543