THE Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) assured that the troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) adhere to the rules of engagement especially to the human rights law.
Eastmincom spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey issued the statement after militant groups earlier claimed that over 110 farmers have been victims of extrajudicial killings, mostly in Mindanao, since July 2016.
"I do not know how they defined harassment in bringing social services in the countryside, facilitating the resolutions in concerns, and ensuring the safety and security of the communities," Balagtey said.
Balagtey challenged the militant groups to file their complaint to the right and concerned government agencies such as the police station and/or the prosecution office or to the Eastmincom office.
"We will be the one to assist them kung talagang merong sundalo’ng lumabag sa batas. Ang mga sundalo kasi namin is equipped with rules of engagement lalo na doon sa implementation ng martial law," he said.
Balagtey said these rules of engagement have been created by the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) along with various government agencies, civilian organizations and multi-sectors, with human rights adherence.
The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) claimed that there have been many incidents such as illegal arrests and trumped up charges, and force surrender of farmers and lumads since 2016, most especially during the martial law.