Human rights group told: Sue troops accused of killing civilians

From the Sun Star-Davao (Jun 27): Human rights group told: Sue troops accused of killing civilians

AN ARMY official has encouraged human rights groups who have accused government troops for allegedly killing civilians, who are suspected members of the New People's Army, to file charges and support their claims.

Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division spokesperson Lieutenant Vergel Lacambra said this in line with the recent killing of Ricky Basig, a member of the Barug Katawhan (People Rise) -- organization of survivors of Typhoon Pablo.

Basig was shot dead by alleged members of the 67th Infantry Battalion (IB) on Thursday evening in Davao Oriental.

"As of now, those are mere allegations. We encouraged them to file appropriate charges and present evidences to support their claims. Rest assured, the 10th Infantry Agila Division will cooperate with any investigating body regarding that matter," Lacambra said.

As a professional organization that strictly adheres to respect for human rights and IHL (International Humanitarian Law), the division will not tolerate erring personnel once proved guilty of any wrongdoings, Lacambra added.

A fact-finding mission initiated by Exodus for Justice and Peace and participated by Karapatan-SMR recently reported human rights violations have been committed by the military against civilian population.

In this report, Basig was found to have had three instances where he was allegedly harassed by the 67th IB, and was also allegedly asked to serve as guide for the 67 IB.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/06/27/human-rights-group-told-sue-troops-accused-killing-civilians-415610