Rights abuse claims unfair to soldiers – Roque

Malacañang has challenged groups accusing the military of alleged abuses during martial law in Mindanao to show proof or shut up.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque argued that it was unfair to accuse soldiers, who have sacrificed lives and limbs to combat terrorists and other threats, of violating the law without showing evidence.

“Kinikilala natin ang pagiging bayani ng ating mga kasundaluhan. Binibigyan natin sila ng presumption of good faith (We recognize the heroism of our soldiers. We are giving them a presumption of good faith),” he said during a press conference in Marawi City.

“Nasa accusers o yung nagrereklamo yung burden of evidence, burden of proof nasaan ang ebidensya ninyo otherwise tumahimik na lang kayo dahil hindi naman kayo ang nagpapakamatay para sa inang-bayan (The burden of evidence, burden of proof is with the accusers or those with complaints. Show your evidence otherwise shut up because you’re not the ones sacrificing lives for the nation),” he added.

Some concerned groups have called for the lifting of martial law in Mindanao, citing alleged rights violations and abuses by government forces.

The cases of abuse remained unreported allegedly due to the victims’ fear of retaliation from authorities.

Roque said it was easy to hurl accusations against the military, but the allegations have not been substantiated with evidence.

“Nasaan ang reklamo? (Where are the complaints?),” he asked.

“‘ These are the same groups claiming there have been abuses but have not filed any complaints. They must show the complaints and prove that such complaints were ignored by the Armed Forces,” he added in Filipino.