4ID condemns NPA for using female combatants as sex slaves

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19, 2019): 4ID condemns NPA for using female combatants as sex slaves (By 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 19 – The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID), Philippine Army condemns the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) leadership for their continuous sexual abuses against their female combatants.

Alyas Wilma, 20, a former medic of the New People's Army (NPA) from Magpet, North Cotabato revealed her sad experience as a victim of sexual abuse from their NPA commander. “I joined the NPA because I am against sexual abuse and female exploitation, however, our NPA commander sexually abused us and neglected our rights as a woman,” Wilma exposed.

Alyas Saisai, 32, a former NPA medic, married from Agusan Del Norte was also raped by his NPA commander. She got pregnant but suffered miscarriage due to stress and hardship in the mountain. “I was raped and threatened that he will kill my husband if I will inform the committee.” I wanted to kill him for repeatedly abusing me sexually, he should be executed by death," she said.

I went lie-low due to sexual abuses and injustices in the NPA organization,” Saisai added.

Sexual abuses were also confirmed when the troops of 88th Infantry Battalion based in Maramag Bukidnon recovered some contraceptive pills, condoms and porn materials inside an NPA hideout in the forested area of Barangay Kibongkog, San Fernando, Bukidnon last October 22, 2019.

MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the 4ID emphasized that "for 50 years, NPA commanders have been violating their female combatants."

They must respect the rights of our women and stop treating them as sex slaves,” he said.

He also urged all female NPA combatants to surrender and save themselves from these abuses. "Together with the government, we will ensure that the female former rebels undergo the healing and reconciliation process through the help of DSWD and other concerned government agencies for them to recover emotionally and psychologically and prepare them to return to mainstream society,” Gacal further said.

In the Philippines, the days between 25 November and 12 December are observed annually as the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) to spur public awareness on the forms of violence against women and girls and the ordeal of VAW victims/survivors.

The campaign supports the government’s goal in protecting the rights of women and young girls by upholding the commitment to address all forms of gender-based violence as enshrined in the 1987 constitution.

This year's observance is anchored on the theme “VAW-free community starts with me." (4ID,PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030409