Military belies alleged role in Iloilo activist's killing

MANILA, Philippines - The military on Monday belied the allegations of rights group Karapatan that members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were responsible for the killing of an Iloilo activist last March 15.

The Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division said the allegations of Karapatan chapter in Panay that it has something to do with the killing of  Director Romeo Capalla of the Panay Fair Trade Center was "preposterous."

"With a strong conviction that it has nothing to hide, the AFP is very much open for investigation if Karapatan perceived that its personnel are behind in the killing of Capalla. Further, the AFP has been and will continue to cooperate with any investigating authority about the incident," Major Ray Tiongson, 3rd ID spokesperson, said.

"Such action is not being tolerated in the AFP. The soldiers always uphold the rule of law, promote and protect human rights, and strictly adhere to the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law," he added.

Tiongson said the military's Western Visayas has not violated any human rights since the implementation of Oplan Bayanihan in 2013 as reported by the Commission on Human Rights based in Region 6.

"Aside from being the protector of the people, the AFP is for just and lasting peace and development in Panay and Negros" the military official said.

For her part, Karapatan general secretary general Cristina Palabay called on the local and international rights advocacy groups to demand from President Benigno Aquino III to address the spate of killings in the country.

Karapatan said Capalla is a former political detainee and member of the rights group, Selda.