Commission on Human Rights to probe 'increased militarization'

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is set to look into the allegation of the 350-member International Solidarity Mission (ISM) that there is an increased militarization in certain parts of southern Mindanao.

“We will look into it. In fact, I have already ordered the CHR regional office here to form a quick response team (QRT) and check on the veracity and at the same time validate the claim of the ISM,” CHR Chairman Leila de Lima said.

De Lima said she would only ask the military units concerned to answer the ISM’s allegation after the QRT has submitted its findings.

“We will just have to wait for the results of the QRT,” she said.

However, Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, dismissed the ISM findings as preposterous.

Mapagu said these were only aimed at reversing the fact that the Armed Forces has been gaining civilian and local government support in the areas that the group had visited.

Last Thursday, the ISM submitted to De Lima the findings of its recent three-day mission in the region purportedly to point out the accountability of government authorities to protect human rights and human dignity and to restore genuine peace in areas of conflict.

The ISM sought the withdrawal of government troops in southern Mindanao, particularly in civilian-populated areas, public places and structures manned by civilian authorities.

The ISM visited New Bataan, Compostela and Monkayo towns in Compostela Valley; Paquibato district in this city; Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur; and Tampakan in South Cotabato.

The mission was composed of party-list lawmakers, peace advocates, human rights activists, students, and health professionals.

Leading the group were Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, Anakpawis Reps. Rafael Mariano and Joel Maglungsod, and Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan as well as delegates from Australia, South Korea, Argentina, Malaysia and Germany.

In its report, the ISM noted what it said were the grave repercussions of the counter-insurgency operations of the 10th ID in the region.

The ISM said the testimonies of the victims of the supposed militarization indicated a curtailment of fundamental civil and political rights to free movement, association and even speech in areas covered by the military’s Oplan Bantay Laya-2.

The ISM also alleged that the number of extra-judicial killings in southern Mindanao has increased in the last eight years, with a total of 100 cases.

Mapagu said though the ISM “came in town to rescue the demoralized Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army in the area, and raise recycled propaganda to disrupt our operations.”

“The 10th ID is gaining more support now from the local executives and the populace who are tired of the NPA’s anti-development and criminal activities,” he added. – Edith Regalado