Family of executed militiaman cries for justice

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 1, 2019): Family of executed militiaman cries for justice

BUKIDNON – The family of a pro-government militiaman who was abducted and executed by communist insurgents in Valencia City is crying for justice as troops continue to pursue New People’s Army rebels in the province, security officials said.

Officials said Pablo Omblero was killed by rebels after being taken captive last week. He was shot in the face and body.

Omblero’s partner said at least 7 gunmen barged into their house in the village of Batangan and dragged him away despite her pleadings. She said Omblero was also begging for his life.

“Pito sila nga nagsulod sa amo balay, ilang gihigtan akong bana, gidala mi sa Batangan, grabe among pakitluoy, among hilaka apan mga walay konsensya ug kasingkasing. Ilang gipusil akong bana kaduha bisag walay ikasukol, sako atubangan pa gyud. Ngano lugar ilang patyon akong asawa sa mga NPA nga klarong wala man mi nisukol ug ikasukol?” the woman told authorities.

Brigadier General Edgardo de Leon, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, also condemned the murder of Omblero. “The NPA should have respected his rights enshrined by the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) as he can no longer be considered combatant because he was already captured, disarmed, and therefore has no capacity to fight the armed NPA,” De Leon said.

“We ask the Commission of Human Rights and IHL watchdog KARAPATAN to join the investigation of this NPA-perpetrated IHL violation,” he added. There was no immediate statement from the NPA, but the rebel group has been linked to many executions of security personnel in the southern region. (Mindanao Examiner)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/family-of-executed-militiaman-cries-for-justice/