AFP denies torture of 3 minors

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denied yesterday allegations that the military tortured three minors in Mindanao to force them to admit that they are communist insurgents.

“These (allegations of torture) are not true. We always safeguard and protect the human rights of everyone, especially the rights of children,” said AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr.

“Our troops are conscious about the need to uphold human rights. We do not tolerate human rights abuses,” he added.

Last Monday, the Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns said it would file a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights against the AFP for the alleged torture of three suspected NPA child warriors.

Salinlahi said the minors whose ages ranged from 15 to 17 were nabbed separately by troops in Makilala, North Cotabato and Moncayo, Compostela Valley early this month. – Alexis Romero