Army files IHL violation investigation vs NPA
THE PHILIPPINE Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade (403IB) has asked the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to investigate two incidents which harmed civilians, perpetrated by the New People's Army (NPA).
Colonel Edgardo de Leon, 403IB commander said, they are requesting the CHR to investigate and determine if the NPA violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) when they burned three heavy equipment and killed a soldier in Bukidnon.
"We have reason to believe that they violated the IHL since they also admitted they burned the equipment. For the soldier who was killed, we believe they also violated the law since they finished off the soldier even he has ran out of bullets," de Leon said.
He said an independent investigation of these incidents shall help assist the victims in the filing of case.
"Maraming violation na hindi napapaalam sa publiko, it's time na malaman ng publiko. Yung nagpapaabot ng violation, is malakas na deterrent para mapigilan ang NPA sa pag-atake sa civilians," de Leon added.
(There are many violations that the public did not know, it is time the public should know. Those who reached out for violations, it is a strong deterrent for NPA rebels to attack civilians)
He also said that it was the first time a brigade commander personally came to CHR to ask for an investigation, however, he said that once it is filed, it should not be left ignored.
Lawyer Jeanne Ivy Abrina meanwhile said they are already investigating these incidents and will submit a final report once the probe is complete.
Abrina said they will also submit a copy of the results of the investigation to the prosecutors to help the victim's cases.
Abrina said it is part of their function to investigate incidents especially between armed forces, and is involving civilians.
De Leon's move to urge a probe coincides with the 50th anniversary of the NPA yesterday.