AFP to probe reports on killings of government critics

MANILA, Philippines - The military will investigate allegations that government critics have been killed in the counter-insurgency campaign.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said the military does not tolerate such killings.

“The AFP believes in our justice system and abides by the rule of law,” he said. “It is unfair for the organization to be accused, whether directly or indirectly, of the reported killings that are happening. “Resorting to extralegal means is not our business. We do not tolerate any member of the organization committing such crime. “Any member of the AFP committing any crime can be charged and we will submit him or her for proper investigation.”

Renato Reyes, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary-general, said Oplan Bantay Laya, the military’s counter-insurgency program, targets unarmed activists who are believed to be communist rebels. 

At least one activist has been killed every week since President Aquino assumed office on June 30, he added.

Mabanta said militant groups should discuss with them supposed human rights abuses committed by soldiers.

“If they have accusations, they should refer it to us and not just to the media so we can compare notes and talk about it,” he said. 

“We are open to discussing this. In our democratic society, we observe due process. Hurling baseless accusations and trial by publicity will not prove anything.”

An August 2010 study conducted by human rights lawyer Al Parreo showed that only four of 305 incidents of unexplained killings since 2001 have resulted in convictions.

A majority of the victims or 32 percent were officers or members of activist groups like Bayan Muna and Anakpawis, the study added. 

The study said elected officials constituted 15 percent of the victims, while journalists and farmers comprise 15 percent and 10 percent. 

Communist rebels made up eight percent of the victims, while the rest were lawyers, judges, and members of religious groups and other sectors, the study added.