CHR should condemn NPA murders

MANILA, Philippines  — It is very upsetting that the Commission on Human Rights and self-declared human rights advocates like Karapatan were tongue-tied about abducted and murdered former rebels and civilians. A former rebel surrendered to the government but was brutally murdered by the New People’s Army in Barangay Nagpapacao, Matuguinao, Samar, last Sept. 28.

I never heard any news that the CHR condemned the NPA’s wrongdoings, even though they know that these terror groups take advantage of the youth and locals who are living in isolated and depressed areas. But when the victims realize that they are just being used for the benefit of the communist organization, these rebel-members and supporters can no longer get out of the group. Instead of allowing their comrades to enjoy the peace and new life with their families, the communist NPA torture and brutally murder them, leaving them with no choice but to stay in the terrorist organization.

Why did the CHR and self-declared human rights advocates like Karapatan Eastern Visayas chapter not denounce and take action for the lives of the victims who were mercilessly murdered?

Filipinos hope that these NPAs will soon realize that their struggle through violence will never succeed. The people’s rejection of violence was very evident, but still, the rebels have chosen to close their eyes to this fact. There is no doubt their organization is fast becoming irrelevant. They have been reduced to a band of criminals riding on issues that serve only them, but not the Filipinos they claim to be fighting for. – Nica Amorsolo, Rizal Technological University, Mandaluyong City