AFP vows 'cooperation' after CA tags military in Jonas Burgos 'abduction'

From InterAksyon (Mar 28): AFP vows 'cooperation' after CA tags military in Jonas Burgos 'abduction'

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday pledged to cooperate and comply with Court directives aimed at fully uncovering the details behind the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos, one day after the Court of Appeals affirmed suspicions that the military was behind Burgos' abduction in April 2007.

The AFP said it has yet to receive a copy of the Court of Appeals ruling on the matter, and declined any further comment pending the official transmission of the report. Both AFP spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos and Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang said they would give a more detailed statement after they obtain the official report of the CA.

However, Colonel Burgos said "the AFP in all its undertakings will continue to follow the rule of law and strictly adhere to the protection and promotion of human rights and International Humanitarian Law."

The CA inquiry found the military, particularly the Philippine Army, to blame for the "enforced disappearance" of Burgos, who was abducted on April 28, 2007.

The Supreme Court-directed inquiry of the CA found that Burgos' case was a state-sponsored abduction and holdss "accountable" the Armed Forces of the Philippines "and elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the Philippine Army."

The AFP on Thursday said that it does not condone any wrongful acts committed by its men and would cooperate with authorities in the matter.

For its part, the Philippine National Police (PNP) also vowed to cooperate with the CA ruling after it was directed to locate Burgos' abductors who remain at large.

Colonel Burgos also said that since the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan in 2011, the AFP has made "signifcant headway" in protecting human rights.

"We have established human rights officers from the General Headquarters down to the area commands, division and battalion levels. We have made the position of the chief of human rights office into a star position. We have intensified our engagements and coordinations with human rights groups, watchdogs and other stakeholders," he said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58171/afp-vows-cooperation-after-ca-tags-military-in-jonas-burgos-abduction