Undersecretary Ernesto Torres, Jr. on Wednesday hailed the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for condemning the New Peoples Army’s (NPA) continued use of improvised explosive devices (IED), in wanton violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
Torres, the Executive Director of the NTF-ELCAC Secretariat, said the CHR’s unequivocal rebuke of the NPA is most welcome, especially since the IEDs were detonated near schools which caused trauma on very young pupils.
“We are in solidarity with the CHR in condemning the NPA’s vicious acts and violation of the (IHL). The NPA’s use of IEDs in Zones of Peace, such as schools, exhibit their moral depravity and blatant disregard for the lives of the Filipino people, particularly the Filipino youth and students,” Torres said.
In a statement released Monday, the CHR scored the NPA for launching attacks and detonating IEDs near schools which are declared “peace zones”, stressing that schools must be free from threats of harm.
“This violent act goes directly against the very principles of the (IHL). We further note that according to news reports, the IED was detonated near a public elementary school in Barangay Locso-on, leaving two soldiers and a minor injured,” the CHR said.
It further noted that the United Nations’ Human Rights Council (UN HRC) had previously observed that “the continued use by (NPA) of mines and improvised explosive devices that kill and maim civilians in wanton violation of IHL is unacceptable.”
In the recent clash between government forces and communist terrorists in Placer, Masbate, the NPA placed several IEDs near a public school, indiscriminately targeting soldiers and civilians alike. One of the said IEDs exploded and injured two soldiers and a minor.
“No ideology can justify the endangerment of the right to life, liberty, and security of the Filipino people. We have always called for the end of armed conflict and the grave consequences it imposes upon those involved and those affected. Time and again, we have witnessed the harrowing impacts and violations to the fundamental human rights and dignity these encounters bring to society,” the CHR further said.
Usec Torres also assured that the NTF-ELCAC is in concordance with the CHR’s call for just and peaceful resolution of the armed conflict and denunciation of all forms of violence and terroristic acts that endanger the lives of the Filipino People.
The National Task Force, he pointed out, is committed to do its part in the pursuit of genuine and lasting peace through good and effective governance in order to address the root causes of armed conflict and end the cycle of senseless violence instigated by the NPA.
In observance of Holy Week, Usec. Torres encouraged all Filipinos, including those duped into joining the deceitful armed struggle to “reflect on what is good and righteous for the youth, self, community and the country to achieve the peace and development we all aspire for.” (VICTOR BALDEMOR RUIZ)