Thursday, March 06, 2008 Army belies reports on human rights violations
THE Philippine Army categorically denied accusations of human rights violations and alleged stealing of farmers' chickens and bolos.
Army 2nd Lieutenant Anamy Nero, civil military operations officer of the 79th Infantry Battalion, told Sun.Star that the accusations are purposely to mislead the masses with the issues that have no truth.
"They will just use and exploit issues to arouse the populace to fight against the military," she said in a phone interview Tuesday afternoon.
She added that stealing of civilian properties is not their mission, as the Philippine Army does not target non-combatant civilian in the conduct of military operations.
The only legitimate armed targets, she said, are the objects of military operations.
Quoting 79th IB commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Nestor Porlucas, Nero assured that the military will approach the insurgency problem through civil military operations (CMO) and not combat operations alone.
Nero cited the medical mission, initiated by Representative George Arnaiz, during his birthday, with Governor Emilio Macias II and local government of Pamplona, which the CMO of the 79th IB together with the 61st IB have joined the medical check up, dental services, haircuts, and massages.
She stressed that despite their efforts to be in good terms with the civilian populace, some groups are trying to destroy their image.
She is referring to the statement of a "religious group" condemning alleged human rights violations committed by alleged members of the Philippine Army.
Joseph Lagora of the Promotion of Church People's Response (PCPR) accused the Army of stealing personal belongings and properties of civilians and farmers.
The alleged human rights violations were committed days after the military deployed additional government soldiers in the hinterlands of Negros Oriental, including the mountainous barangays of Sta. Catalina town.
At least four houses were ransacked by the military, according to Lagora.
Worse, Lagora said the soldiers brought with them 12 chickens without the consent of their owners in Sitio Bandirahan, Alangilan, Sta. Catalina.
Soldiers also allegedly confiscated a bolo from a farmer. (VLC)
