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AFP continues to sow fear in Abra

BAGUIO CITY (Aug. 26) — The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) today expressed support to the village folks of Lenneng, Ba-ay Licuan, and Abra in condemning the 41st IB based in Barbarit, Lagangilang, and Abra in their gross violation of the International Humanitarian Law and the on going saturation drives in the village area.

According to Atty, Randy Kinaud, CHRA secretary-general, “despite the commemoration of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) last August 12 , the 41st IB led by Lt. Victor Leopoldo engaged his men in firefight with the members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) in Baay – Licuan using three civilians as human shields”. This resulted in the death of Francisco Tangbawan and wounding of two other civilians, the CHRA reported.

The community folks immediately issued statement condemning the 41st IB of the incident, added CHRA in its statement, saying further that the act using civilians in a firefight is a clear violation of international laws concerning armed conflict. It is clearly stipulated in the provisions that the rights of civilians or those taking no active part in the hostilities are entitled to the respect of their lives, dignity, human rights, political convictions and their moral and physical integrity shall be protected in all circumstances. Thus, this is a clear violation of Protocol 2 of the International Humanitarian Law, Kinaud said.

Meanwhile, the continuing presence of the 41st IB in the area is sowing fear and terror among the community people. According to initial reports reaching the CHRA, some military men are disguising as members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) and trying to deceive village folks in their military operation.

The initial reports stated also of other human rights violations perpetrated by the 41st IB in the area such as harassments, grave threats and theft. Farmers going to their farms are being interrogated, searched and harassed. At one point a pregnant woman had a miscarriage during an interrogation on her way home from their farm.

Responding to these HRVs in the area, the CHRA and other concerned groups will conduct a Fact Finding Mission (FFM) on September 2-4, 2005 to investigate, gather and to monitor the impacts of these military operations to the civilian populace. Gathered human rights violations will be filed to concern government agencies for appropriate actions.

The FFM is in response to the letter issued by the barangay officials of Killeng, Lenneng, Licuan Baay, Abra. # Arnel Balucas for NORDIS with reports from CHRA via NORDIS

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