Ex-NPA rebels claim sexual harassment, abuses by comrades

From the Philippine News Agency (May 2, 2022): Ex-NPA rebels claim sexual harassment, abuses by comrades (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

UNITY WALK. Government agencies, non-government groups, and other the stakeholders participate in the Duterte Legacy Caravan in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental on Sunday (May 2, 2022). During the event, former rebels called out to their former comrades to surrender and avail of the government's services and benefits offered to them. (Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office)

Some three former rebels (FRs) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) are calling on those who are still in the movement to surrender to avoid being victimized by sexual abuse and harassment, similar to what they experienced.

Ka Bona, Ka Arce, and Ka Sky gave their testimonies on Sunday during a Duterte Legacy Caravan Thru Convergence of All Government Agencies in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental.

The activity was part of a series of caravans aimed at informing the public about the administration’s programs and policies, Lt. Col. Ruben Verbo said on Monday.

One of the FRs said while in the underground movement, she experienced sexual harassment while other women were also allegedly subjected to abuse by the male rebels.

The other FRs also recounted the atrocities that they were involved in and cited injustices and hardships which pushed them to surrender, Verbo said.

Also on Sunday, a unity walk participated in by various government agencies, law enforcement groups, local government officials, and other stakeholders was held around the town’s main streets prior to a program at the municipal gymnasium.

The weekend event was themed “Pagkakaisa ng Mamamayan at Pamahalaan Tungo sa Pagbangon, Kapayapaan, at Kaunlaran”.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1173503