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Media Release Reference: Marie
Hilao-Enriquez
April 09, 2003
National Secretary General
"Where is AFP's respect for human rights and International Humanitarian Law?"- KARAPATAN
Abduction, forced disappearance, coercion and killings are just some of the numerous police and military violations of human rights and international humanitarian law that are gradually engulfing the entire Bulacan province. The recent encounter between AFP and NPA troops was used by the AFP to lash out on the civilians after NPA had withdrawn from the area.
The Alyansa ng Mamamayan para sa Pantaong Karapatan-Bulacan with other organizations conducted a fact-finding mission on April 02. Their findings revealed military atrocities on civilians committed during counterinsurgency operations after the encounter. The operation resulted human rights violations like forced disappearance, destruction and divestment of properties, coercion, harassment, forced evacuation and arbitrary arrest during and after the military campaign. A quick look at this will reveal the following:
- The abduction and forced disappearance of Jose Manabat, 37 years old, resident of 213 Bonifacio St. Diversified Subdivision, Norzagaray .
- The forced evacuation of 12 families. Seven of them forcibly evacuated to safer areas when bombs pounced and razed down their houses.
- The illegal search, looting of houses and coercion of Emilio Ogena Sr.,a 60 year-old and a farmer. He and his two sons and a grand son were rounded up as suspected NPA sympathizers. His son, Emilio Jr. was traumatized when one AFP element indiscriminately pointed his gun at him after ordering to lie down on the ground.
Meanwhile, KARAPATAN National Secretary General Marie Hilao-Enriquez chided "President Macapagal-Arroyo's when the latter accused Iraqi soldiers of violations of International Humanitarian laws yet she condones the violations of AFP against the Filipino civilians."