Arrest of 43 thwarts violence in March
The New People's Army suffered a big blow with the arrest of 43 of its
members by the combined elements of the Philippine Army and the PNP in
Morong, Rizal last February 6 and thwarted their plans to carry out
attacks during the NPA anniversary on March 29. The arrest also
prevented the NPA's attempt to disrupt the on-going election campaign
and the coming elections in May.
The operation on February 6 in Morong, Rizal by the Army troops and the
police is a product of a thorough and deliberate planning, extensive
intelligence work and accurate surveillance. Quoting MGEN Jorge Segovia,
2nd Infantry Division commander, "the detainees belong to a super body
of NPA medics and combatants from various provinces."
Most of the attendees at the meeting in Morong, Rizal are identified NPA
members, serving as medical assistants of different guerilla platoons in
various NPA provincial committees. Others were members of
NPA's Special Operations Group, which usually carries out liquidation
orders of the NPA. They are members of the NPA guerilla units operating
in Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Central Luzon and the Visayas. In addition,
among those seized from the raid were weapons, ammunition, and explosive
devices which would be used by the NPAs to terrorize the citizens of the
country. This is a strong indication that the activities of the 43
accused are not limited to health trainings. The presence of weapons and
explosive devices, including landmine, readily translates into espousing
violence. The evidence of landmine alone is in direct contravention to
the UN’s declaration against the use of landmines and the Ottawa
Convention of 1997.
The arrest was carried out through a valid arrest warrant. For the judge
to issue the same, he has established the existence of probable cause.
The search was made in the presence of two barangay councilors and the
house care taker. Why question the arrest now? Why come up with
concocted allegations against the Army organization? We could only think
of one, that the arrest was a big blow to the communist organization as
it involves key personalities occupying major positions in the
provincial, regional and national organs of the NPA. The arrest is a
manifestation that the rebel forces are slowly being contained. Because
of this decisive tactical victory, the government forces were able to
prevent a possible major attack to be perpetrated by the NPA bandits
during its anniversary this March 29.
However, instead of being lauded for a decisive tactical operation
against the NPA, the Philippine Army is being criticized and questioned
on the legitimacy of the arrest and alleged human rights violations.
The allegation that the detainees were tortured is a pure lie. Even
Commission on Human Rights Chairperson Leila de Lima, who personally
went to visit the detainees, denied this allegation. The human rights of
the detainees were observed. They were given adequate food, water, and
cot beds. They were informed of the reason of the arrest, and their
right and access to legal counsel and family is respected. There was no
truth to the sexual harassment claim either. When asked when she was
sexually harassed, Ofelia Beltran-Ballante denied this. The unfounded
accusations are mere propaganda to discredit the Philippine Army. Amidst
the allegations, the Philippine Army remains undaunted to pursue it’s
the charges against the 43 accused.
Safeguarding human rights is always at the core of every military
operation. It is deeply entrenched in the institution's programs,
policies, and regulations. It is the very principle that Army soldiers
try to live everyday. The Philippine Army respects and upholds human
rights. It is the only organization which is most careful in the
observance of human rights. An Army soldier cannot be promoted nor go on
career advancement course if he has a record on human rights violation.
This rule is strictly laid down and enforced.
However, like any individual, respect for human rights shall also apply
to soldiers. In many cases, they have been denied of such. They have
been subject to various human rights issues, they who have helped
restore communities threatened by these bandits who would not hesitate
to use arms just to advance the senseless ideologies they espouse. The
Philippine Army remains undaunted and is doing its job to protect the
welfare of every citizen and this nation. #
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