DEBATES OPEN MARAWI ISSUES
AFP chief assures probe on reports of abuses by military
The debates on the extension of martial law in Mindanao revealed several concerns on the ground, hours before the 60-day proclamation of President Rodrigo Duterte expired yesterday.
Samira Gutoc-Tomawis, a former member of the Bangsamoro Transition Committee, spoke before the lawmakers and belied the claim of the government security officials that no abuses were recorded while martial law was in effect in Mindanao.
She said that the conditions of Muslim people in Mindanao have worsened since Duterte put the region under military rule.
“I am so sorry I have to speak for 250,000 people and 400,000 Maranaos scattered all over the country,” Gutoc-Tomawis said.
“One hundred days or almost 60 days not buried. What if it was your grandfather na hindi inilibing? Sa Islam po, one day lang po, hindi pwede. Bawal sa Islam. Hindi po pwedeng iwanan na hindi buried ang katawan (What if it was your grandfather who is not buried. In Islam, we only allow a day. That is against Islam. You can’t leave a body unburied),” she added.
Aside from that, she said that there were cases when people suspected of being part of Maute was abused by the military.
“Abdul Halim, a special child or a mental retard, 20 years old, was brought to the Ranao Rescue Team by the mother, the child was brought to the hospital, he was found in Saduc area of Marawi, he was psychologically interrogated if Maute siya. He was also, may isang baril po na inano sa kamay niya,” she narrated.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Eduardo Año said they are willing to carry out probes to validate the claims of abuses.
Año also vowed to minimize the catastrophic effects of war towards the Marawi residents.
“Gagawin po namin lahat para ‘di magkaroon ng inconvenience dito sa mga residente ng Marawi. But one thing we assure you that we never intend to harm or violate any human rights and, in fact, we are welcoming any complaint. We will conduct appropriate investigation and punish and apply sanctions to those who committed any violation,” Año said.
Meanwhile, Commission on Human Rights Chair Chito Gascon refused to provide a categorical answer when asked if there was really no incident of abuses under Mindanao martial law. /