‘Human rights case vs AFP baseless’

MANILA, Philippines - A case filed before the United Nations accusing the military of violating the human rights of indigenous people of Mindanao is baseless, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said yesterday.

In a phone interview, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman Col. Romeo Brawner said the AFP is ready to respond to the allegations.

“The military is not hiding anything,” he said.

Brawner said communist rebels are influencing the complainants to drive away soldiers in southern Mindanao.

“Since there is a complaint, an investigation will be conducted and the truth will come out,” he said.

Brawner said the New People’s Army (NPA) had caused the mass evacuation of residents of southern Mindanao.

“The NPA told them (residents) to leave because there would be massive military operations,” he said.

“They did that so that no one would be around when soldiers conduct peace and development activities.” 

Brawner said soldiers are deployed in civilian communities for development activities.

“We do not tolerate human rights violations,” he said. “If a violation is committed, we will not hesitate to file charges against the violators.”