AFP probes beating of suspected Maute member

From the Sun Star-Manila (Oct 27): AFP probes beating of suspected Maute member

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched a formal investigation after a television station released a video of government troops beating a suspected Maute terror group member in Marawi City.

 

The video obtained by GMA News showed some soldiers deployed in Marawi ganging up on alleged Maute fighter while in their custody.

 

The video shows the suspected extremist, only clad in underwear and covered with mud and blood, being beaten by government soldiers.

 

The alleged Maute group fighter was still physically assaulted after he was handcuffed, even after some were trying to pacify their fellow soldiers and even calling for a medic.

 

One of the Marawi soldiers was even heard saying in Filipino, "You have killed many [of our comrades], stupid."

 

It was not clear, however, when the video was taken.

 

 Padilla, in a press conference, said the troops' action was a clear violation of human rights, thus, needed to be investigated.

 

"He (suspected Maute member) was being taunted so some [soldiers] could not hide their emotions perhaps because he was believed to be part of the enemy who killed some of our soldiers. We’re not sure yet when and how this came out when it was taken," the military spokesman said.

 

"But what is certain there is we will need to launch an investigation to ascertain the veracity of this video, as well as ascertain who are involved. The armed forces is very strict, regarding the treatment of captives in a conflict situation. They are supposed to be decently treated and respected, which did not happen in this case," he added.

 

Padilla said what happened was an "isolated case."

 

He also assured that those who are involved in the physical assault of suspected Maute fighter would face appropriate sanctions if they will be proven to have committed an abuse of human rights.

 

"Once we have any result, we will share it with you and definitely, those responsible will be held accountable," Padilla said.

 

The battle in Marawi, which erupted on May 23, prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place Mindanao under martial rule.

 

Islamic State-inspired Maute terror group attacked war-torn Marawi City in an attempt to establish caliphate for Southeast Asia fighters.

 

After five months of battle with Islamic State supporters, Duterte declared the southern city's liberation on October 17 following the deaths of extremist leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute.

 

The crisis had claimed over 1,000 lives, including more than a hundred security forces.

 

Following the release of the video, Padilla said the public should understand that the troops might have become emotional over the deaths of their comrades.

 

"Our appeal it to please understand our colleagues because in this case, they are deeply emotional and we don’t know when did it happen. So when it was recorded after an encounter and recovery of the bodies of slain soldiers who were burnt and decapitated, it could be understandable,” he said.

 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2017/10/27/afp-probes-beating-suspected-maute-member-571674