Chief NDFP negotiator accuses military of war crimes in Abra

From GMA News (Oct 20): Chief NDFP negotiator accuses military of war crimes in Abra

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) committed "atrocious war crimes" during military operations in Lacub, Abra last September, the chairman of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) negotiating panel said Monday.

Citing findings of a fact-finding mission, NDFP negotiator Luis Jalandoni said in an online statement that "it is clear that the 41st Infantry Battalion under the command of Lt. Col. Rogelio Noora and 2LT Joe Mari Landicho and Capt. Deo Martinez as officers on the ground, committed atrocious war crimes and crimes against humanity and other grave violations of IHL (international humanitarian law)."

Jalandoni accused the military of the "brutal killing, torture, mutilation, and desecration" of New People's Army members Arnold "Ka Mando" Jaramillo, Recca Noelle "Ka Tet" Monte, Brandon "Ka Sly" Madranga, Robert "Ka Dawyan" Beyao, Ricardo "Ka Tubong" Reyes, Pedring "Ka Jess" Banggao, and Robert "Ka Limbo" Perez.

He also said that two civilians — Fidela Salvador, who was accused of being an NPA guerilla, and Noel Viste, who was allegedly used as a guide and a human shield by the military — were killed during the operation.

Jalandoni also alleged that the AFP used 24 civilians as human shields during their operations in Lacub last September 5. 2014. The military also fired towards civilian houses in Talampac Proper and Pacoc, Talampac between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m, he said.

A call for investigation, resumption of peace talks

"2Lt. Landicho, Capt. Martinez, and Lt. Col. Noora should be held accountable for these war crimes. The responsibility of the Commanding Officer of the 5th Infantry Division under which the 41st IB operates, should also be investigated," Jalandoni said.

The chairman pointed out that war crimes are prohibited by the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) signed in 1998 and approved by NDFP chairperson Mariano Orosa and then President Joseph Estrada.

In a text message to GMA News Online, AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said, "War is violent and not really the best way to solve problems. That is the reason why the AFP supports peace and development in our land."

Cabunoc added: "The CPP NPA NDF(P) on the other hand is continuously pursuing violent means to advance their interests. Therefore, they are answerable to the deaths of their misguided followers who engage our troops in bloody firefights."

Jalandoni meanwhile revealed that peace talks between the Philippine government and the NDFP negotiating panel may resume soon. The talks on truce and cooperation was stopped in February 2013.

"A series of consultations between the NDFP Negotiating Panel and a high level delegation of the GPH (Government of the Philippines) has resulted in a meeting between the two sides scheduled in Utrecht within the next few days," he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/384361/news/nation/chief-ndfp-negotiator-accuses-military-of-war-crimes-in-abra