‘CPP losing control over tactical units'

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 25): ‘CPP losing control over tactical units'

The leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army appears to have lost control over its local tactical units in the ground that are frequently accused of violating the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, also noted the continued use of landmines by the NPA in Western Visayas over the years, the use of children and women in armed conflicts, and the recent ambush of civilians and three policemen in La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

Since 2009, more than 20 improvised explosive devices were recovered by the Philippine Army in Iloilo and Capiz. Worse, the NPA detonated an improvised explosive in Tubungan, Iloilo, where two civilians were injured, military records show.

The way the NPA rebels launch warfare, it is evident that they totally disregard collateral damages to non-combatants, especially children, Mabanta said.

“ There is no let-up in searching for ingredients used in making IEDs, and we are increasing our efforts in the conduct of security operations in order to prevent harm to civilians, he added.

In 2009, three civilians died, while four were killed in an ambush also perpetrated by the NPA in Brgy. Salamanca, Toboso, military records also showed.

CARHRIHL, that was signed by the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front Philippines in March 16, 1998, states that parties involved in the agreement should affirm and apply the principles of international humanitarian law in order to protect the civilian population and individual civilians, as well as persons deprived of their liberty for reasons related to the armed conflict and also guarantees the right against economic and food blockades and indiscriminate bombings, shelling, strafing, gunfire and the use of landmines.

The Philippine Army, civil society groups, clergy and local officials strongly condemn the continuous use of landmines.

“It continues to oblige its soldiers to always uphold the rule of law, promote and protect human rights and strictly adhere to the provisions of the CARHRIHL,” Mabanta said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/February/25/negor2.htm