OPAPP: Ambush report to reach Aquino

THE New People's Army has violated the International Humanitarian Law for the January 27 ambush in Barangay Puso, La Castellana which resulted in the death of nine people, including civilians.

Lawyer Jaime Arroyo and Normal Carreon of the legal Department of OPAPP visited the ambush site and interviewed some of the survivors.

"The NPA's admission of the ambush is one proof of committing the violation of the International Human Rights Law because they have victimized the civilians," Arroyo said after their meeting with Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. at his office Tuesday afternoon.

He also assured that their report will reach the Office of President Benigno Aquino III.

Arroyo however clarified that their visit to Bacolod is not to prosecute but to promote awareness about Republic Act 9851 which is the appropriate case to be filed against the members of the NPA for committing such crime.

The signing of Republic Act 9851 or the “Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law” into law last December 11, 2009 was considered by many human rights groups and activists as a landmark legislation. 

RA 9851 mandates both state and non-state armed groups to observe international humanitarian law standards, giving victims of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity legal recourse.

For as long as the victim is a Filipino citizen, any violator, whether government or non-government, may be charged for committing acts against said law.

Arroyo and Carreon also briefed Marañon and the military and police officials regarding RA 9851.

Arroyo also confirmed that some of the civilian victims along with the members of the PNP who were killed in the ambush were shot at close range.

"We are here not to prosecute but to make the officials here aware of the appropriate law to address such violation," Arroyo said.

In fact, he said although they do not compel the families of the victims to re-file the case, he said they gave them the forms or complaint sheets for them to fill up and submit to their office, if they want to.