Progressive groups want 86th IB out of Ifugao town

From the Sun Star-Baguio (Dec 12): Progressive groups want 86th IB out of Ifugao town

TINOC, Ifugao – “Stop the political vilification of human rights defenders, people’s organizations and development workers” is the battle cry of the people here. With several human rights violations reported to the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) from the town, it immediately circulated an urgent action alert to the different institutions, agencies concerned, public, officials, and individuals to force government to pull out and hold the 86 Infantry Battalion(IB) accountable for its alleged crimes. The battalion is currently based in Tinoc.

Among the alleged crimes of the battalion are torture, divestment and destruction of properties, political vilification, threat, harassment, and intimidation to the community. CHRA secretary general Jude Baggo revealed a dialogue was held in November 12 with Governor Eugene Balitang of Ifugao and the 86th IB commander. He said during the dialogue, “the Armed Forces of the Philippines denied the existence of such list and denied the violations took place even in front of their victims.” Baggo claims the AFP, instead, tried to justify their continued presence in communities and even the use of civilian facilities while they are in combat operations. A press release of the CHRA stated “the Provincial Department of [the] Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Rosario Dumetod believes human rights violations were perpetrated and these need to be investigated.”

The governor committed the Provincial Government will pay for the damages of the crimes allegedly done by the AFP. However, Baggo said “while it was a sign of goodwill for the governor to pay the damages, it stands to rob the people of Ifugao from whatever meager resources the province has. It is the people of Ifugao paying for damages done by the AFP.” He said the people of the town will stand firm in their demand for the pull out of the 86th IB. “They need our support now especially as the leaders and members of the community, the development workers and human rights defenders are attacked by the state security forces,” Baggo calls for the participation of the public. Baggo said if someone is interested to support their call, they may send their petitions to President Benigno Aquino III at Malacañang.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2012/12/12/progressive-groups-want-86th-ib-out-ifugao-town-258042