Kalinaw News: CHR, Community hit NPAs on wounding of civilians, human rights violations

From Kalinaw News (Feb 8, 2021):  CHR, Community hit NPAs on wounding of civilians, human rights violations



Lianga, Surigao Del Sur (SDS) – In a report received by the unit today, the Commission on Human Rights cites on a 12-page case resolution that the CNTs who killed Datu Jumar Bucales and his companions on October 4 last year indeed committed violation of human rights.

“By launching an attack, the NPA violates the principles of distinction and precaution. In gist, principle of distinction requires that parties to armed conflict must distinguish between civilians and combatants. Attacks must not be directed against any civilians. On the other hand, principle of precaution directs the parties to undertake constant care to spare civilians. Unfortunately, the NPA failed to do this. As such, they committed human rights violations by killing Datu Jumar Bucales, Alberto Dela Pena and Artemio Muldez and wounded several others. All of these acts are expressly prohibited under RA 98.51…Wherefore, premises considered, the Office finds human rights violation in this case,” as approved and signed by CHR CARAGA Regional Director Atty. Jerefe D. Tubigon-Bacang.

On a separate report, residents, who requested anonymity, in their complaints today, hit Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) under Rizaldy Sumonod, alias Mansoy/Eman for wounding a civilian, Braeil Salinas, 26 years old, farmer and resident of Barangay Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur during their harassment in the said barangay’s patrol base last January 29. Salinas suffered a gunshot wound in the stomach.

About more or less seven (7) CNTs fired upon the patrol base prompting the government forces to defend. The civilian who was hit by the CNTs was rescued by the troops and Search and Rescue (SARAS) Agusan Sur immediately responded to evacuate the injured civilian at D.O. Plaza Memorial hospital for medical attention and surgery. The victim is now on a stable condition.

“Talagang hindi na kami papayag na alisin ang patrol base dito dahil sa ginagawang pananakot at pang-abuso ng mga NPA dito sa lugar namin. Sana tuluyan na silang mawala dito sa amin dahil wala naman silang mabuting dulot, “a complainant, said.

It can be recalled that on February 2020, three (3) civilians were also wounded after the NPAs lob a grenade at sitio Emerald (Kilometer 10) in Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao Del Sur in a desperate attempt to terrorize residents and force another evacuation scheme (Taktikang Bakwit) to evade government forces and use civilians as human shields.

“The CNTs’ attacks on civilians and unarmed individuals only proved that they are desperate and violating the CAHRIHL to terrify the people. They are on the brink of losing their mass base since the Whole-Of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Without the masses, the CNTs will die a natural death.” Lieutenant Colonel Joey B Baybayan, 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion Commanding Officer, said.

“We thank the CHR for their prompt response and resolution on the human rights violations committed by the NPA terrorists. With CHR’s help, truth about NPAs’ human rights violations by killing and injuring helpless civilians will be put in justice,” Baybayan, added.

Meanwhile, KARAPATAN CARAGA, who claims to be an alliance for people’s rights still has no word of condemnation for the Communist NPA Terrorists’ violation of human rights against IP leaders and civilians in CARAGA.

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/chr-community-hit-npas-on-wounding-of-civilians-human-rights-violations/