The Cagayan De Oro-based 4th Infantry Division is
questioning the presence of an International Fact Finding Mission (IFFM) in
Surigao Del Sur who will allegedly look into the killing of three people in
Lianga town of the above-mentioned province.
The IFFM visit started Oct. 26 and will end on the 30th.
"It came to our attention that there is an IFFM in the
area of Surigao Del Sur this October 26 until the 30th of October.
"Accordingly, the activity is supposed to validate,
strengthen and amplify the issues regarding the killing of three people in
Sitio Han-ayan, Brgy Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao Del Sur last September 1, 2015
and the forced evacuation of around 3,000 people in parts of four
municipalities to the Provincial Sports Complex in Tandag, Surigao Del
Sur," the 4th Infantry Division said in a statement.
"We question the motives of this activity. We know for
a fact that our government has already made its probe on the issues. The Senate
Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation and Senate Committee on
Justice and Human Rights chaired respectively by Senator Teofisto Guingona III
and Senator Aquilino Pimentel III have already conducted its inquiry in aid of
legislation. Currently, the National Prosecutorial Service-National Bureau of Investigation
Task Force on Extra Judicial Killing is also conducting its investigation. On
our part, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Surigao Del Sur.
"Hence, we question the intent of the International
Fact Finding Mission. First, we are questioning the legality of its mandate of
investigating. Does this body have the authority for this inquiry? More
particularly, do representatives from other countries or international
organizations who will take part in this body have sought clearance or gain
approval from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
"No matter what country the representatives of this
mission came from, we are one with you on calling for justice for the victims
of this incident. But it must be place on the context of respect for our
country’s sovereignty and laws.
"If this is not respected, then, we are allowing them
to disregard our sovereignty, make a mockery of our laws and to disrepute our
government institution.
"Second, why does this international fact finding
mission limits its supposed investigation on the incident in Lianga,
particularly the killing of three people at Sitio Han-ayan.
"Why not include the other 357 Lumads who lost their
lives on the hand of NPA atrocities. Why did they not include investigating the
brutal killing of Mayor Dario Otaza, Datu Cadoy Sulhayan of Imbahandi, Nasipit
and Datu Sandigan of Talaandig Tribe of La
Paz
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=819528
The "International Fact-Finding Mission" is probably being sponsored by Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) front organizations. These sorts of activities are standard operating procedure for the commies. They tend to be nothing more than a propaganda "moro-moro" (stage play) with the outcome predetermined before the mission even takes place. Invariably, the Aquino administration along with the Philippine military will be found guilty of massive human rights violations. In the past the IFFMs have been made up of foreign Maoists and like-minded anti-imperialist individuals.
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