AFP won't tolerate HR violations

CEBU, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines stood their ground in strictly implementing “zero tolerance” among their men who violates the Human Rights Law.

In a seminar held at the Central Command yesterday, the AFP Human Rights Office urged their personnel as well as members of the Philippine National Police and some sectors to remain vigilant in reporting violations made by members of the AFP.

In exerting efforts to unify the command and as part of its advocacy to the Comprehensive Agreement of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, Colonel Domingo Tutaan Jr., chief of the AFP-Human Rights Office, said that part of the effort is to build and enhance a culture of human rights in the AFP itself.

“This is part of people-centered approach that we are saying to achieve in protecting all citizens of their human rights especially from us who are members of security sector,” Tutaan said.

The AFP assure that what they want to achieve is that all their soldiers especially those who are on the ground, will be compliant with the Human Rights Law and should not violate its provisions.

“We just want to make sure that we are protectors of the people and the state. How can we serve as protectors if we violate?” Tutaan said.

Last July, a junior officer and three senior enlisted personnel from the Army were relieved of their duties and restricted from their station in Basilan while under investigation for allegedly torturing an Abu Sayyaf suspect during interrogation regarding the 2001 Lamitan blockade.

Lt. Col. Christopher Tampus, spokesman of the AFP-Central Command, claimed that the senior officer’s case is already at the ESB for recommendation while the three junior officers has already been recommended for discharge and are just awaiting final orders.

Tutaan said they want the public to be aware that the AFP will not tolerate or condone any soldier, even officers or enlisted soldiers, who violates human rights.

“We have to investigate and bring him to court if possible as with regards to due process of law. However, we avoid accusations which are found not having enough documentary evidence,” he explained.  (FREEMAN)