Military: No human rights violation cases filed

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has yet to receive any complaint of abuses and human rights violations against government forces under the martial law regime in Mindanao.

“A year since the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, Eastern Mindanao Command has been consistent to its dictum in the implementation of Martial Law which is necessity, proportionality, and rule of law,” said Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) public information officer Major Ezra Balagtey.

"As proof, the Commission on Human Rights and their regional offices have not forwarded any complaint on abuses and violation of human rights perpetrated by our troops (both from the PNP and AFP) relative to the implementation of martial law,” he added.

He said even the Help Desk of the Ateneo Law School of Davao, a quick response mechanism which was set up to ensure that martial law will be implemented in accordance with the rule of law, has not reported nor called the attention of Eastern Mindanao Command for any misdemeanor or abuse amid the implementation of the martial law.

He said that there were claims and allegations of violence performed by the troops but none of these were proven.

“We have challenged them to file cases and prove them in court,” he said.

Balagtey said among the positive effects of the martial law in Mindanao is the significant reduction of crime rate all over Mindanao as reported by the Philippine National Police as well as the limited movements of terrorist groups and other threats which prevents the occurrence of possible sabotage and terror attacks.

He also noted the positive impact of martial law on the recently-concluded Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

“While our designated units continue to implement martial law, the Command continues to protect the communities from terroristic attacks of lawless armed groups, and this will be pursued relentlessly, with determination and enthusiasm,” said Balagtey.

Meanwhile, AFP chief of staff General Carlito Galvez said they have been receiving positive feedback on the imposition of martial law in the entire Mindanao.

“Nakita natin maganda ang implementation ng martial law, ang nakakausap nga namin na mga tao they love martial law, ‘yung ibang mga nakikita nating peace loving people nakita nila ‘yung tinatawag na remarkable improvement ng peace and order,” he said.

“In Mindanao martial is being appreciated, ang iba nga sabi nga nila gusto namin martial law forever na dito sa Mindanao, ‘yun ang sinasabi nga nila dahil kasi nakikita natin na wala namang pagkakaiba ang martial law sa talagang ano... dahil kasi nakita nila na ang martial law is being implemented against lawless elements, kung ikaw ay peace loving people mas favorable at comfortable ka sa martial law,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)

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