Duterte’s order to destroy Reds opposed

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) yesterday expressed concern over President Duterte’s order to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to destroy the communist rebels.

“As leaders of churches in the country, we are troubled by this announcement and the escalation of violence and violation of human rights that will surely ensue,” the PEPP said in a statement.

The PEPP said the President should reciprocate the unilateral truce of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“We also appeal to the NPA for the peaceful turnover of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) personnel and enlisted soldiers detained recently in Sibagat and other parts of Caraga region in order for them to be with their families this holiday season,” the PEPP said.

The religious leaders expressed their support for House Resolution 2339 principally authored by Tawi-Tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali urging the President to return to the negotiating table with the communist National Democratic Front.

“As we celebrate the day of birth of Jesus Christ, the bearer of hope, we affirm our belief that peace is possible through principled dialogue and that the peace talks are still the most viable option to attain a just and enduring peace in the country,” they said.

“We thus call on President Duterte to heed House Resolution 2339 and continue the peace negotiations… and resume the formal peace talks.”

The religious leaders also appealed for the release of Rey Casambre, executive director of the Philippine Peace Center, and his wife along with other NDF peace consultants.

Another troubling development was the resignation of Secretary Jesus Dureza of the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the appointment of former AFP chief Carlito Galvez as his replacement, they said. 

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), on the other hand, cautioned the government over Duterte’s plan to hamlet or isolate indigenous peoples to prevent them from being influenced by communist rebels. 

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline de Guia said the government should critically study this move and establish a strong need to hamlet indigenous peoples before it is implemented.

“The government is well within its obligation to protect the welfare of its people. However, hamletting as an approach to public safety may result in a number of human rights violations due to the enforced displacement of communities and individuals,” De Guia said.

“Such proposal challenges the people’s constitutional right to liberty and property, among others, and will inevitably disrupt a community’s cultural life,” she added.

De Guia said the international humanitarian law, as well as its implementing law in the country (Republic Act 9851), prohibits arbitrary deportation or forcible transfer of population or unlawful confinement.  – With  Janvic Mateo