Kalinaw News: Army files cases against NPA violation of IHL

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 22, 2020): Army files cases against NPA violation of IHL



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental- Army’s 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB) filed charges against the New People’s Army (NPA) for violating Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) last November 18, 2020 before the office of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) at Yakapin St.,Cogon, Cagayan De Oro City.

The filing was attended by Colonel Michelle B Anayron Jr, Assistant Division Commander for reservists and retirees affairs of 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID), Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB, and Attorney Rainer Rhett G Concha of the office of the Division staff Judge Advocate of 4ID.

The millitary sued the NPA leaders for the violation of Republic Act 9851 otherwise known as “Crime against International Humanitarian Law, Genocides, and other crimes against humanity” particularly on minor recruitment and burning of civilian-owned vehicles. The pertinent documents were personally given to Attorney Jeanne Ivy Abrina, Regional Director of CHR.

According to the minor surrenderees, the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) took advantage of their vulnerability and promised them a brighter future in return for using them in armed conflict against the government.

The case of minor recruitment was charged against certain Richard Mansegiano alias Macong, Budie Namatidong alias Kobe, Dedang Namatidong alias Nikkie, Reyna Namatidong alias Miray, and Joren Domino alias Barman. In addition, Manuelito Badilla alias Satur, Secretary of Sub-Regional Committee (SRC1) will be responsible for this case including the burning incidents happened in Claveria and Balingasag, all of Misamis Oriental.

It can be recalled that last October 06, 2020, the NPA burned three (3) civilian equipment owned by Del Monte Philippines Inc. located at Sitio Talambao, Brgy Bulahan, Claveria, Misamis Oriental and last October 08, 2020, the NPA burned two (2) civilian heavy equipment at Brgy Napaliran, Balingasag . Also, last November 08, 2020, a squad size NPA members surrendered to 58IB wherein among them are minors.

Meanwhile, Lt.Col. Ricky Canatoy said, “This is our first filing of case against the NPA and we are on the process of compiling and consolidating pertinent documents on other NPA’s violation on Human Rights and IHL. Their leaders must answer to these accusations and should be liable for all the committed atrocities and minor recruitment because he is the authorized person to direct and instruct his men to commit such act.”

“This filing reiterates the government’s desire to put an end to the minor recruitment scheme of the CTGs as well as their atrocity acts towards civilians and civilian properties. To the terrorists, better stop what you are doing because the law of the government with will never permit you. But, if you insist, we will use force to hunt you down,” Lt. Col. Canatoy ended.

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