Statement of concern

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) as an alliance of student publications for the advancement of campus press and student democratic rights and freedom are alarmed at the actuations of the 78th IB in their hot pursuit operations in Tuburan, Cebu after an NPA attack last October 15, 2005.

Based on facts from recent fact-finding missions, 29 families were forcibly evacuated due to continuing harassments of military elements on hapless civilians and innocent residents in the area. Illegal searches and threats on the residents were rampant in the military's attempt to get back at the rebels.

If indeed, the military team in these areas were able to bring something good to the community during their stay as claimed by their head officials, they would have won the support of the residents in their pursuit against the rebels after the attack. But the fact that the presence of military men going from house to house has forced the residents to pack up and leave their homes and properties out of fear for their lives, suggests otherwise.

We call on local government units and agencies concerned to work together with human rights groups and organizations in aid of the displaced families and in the provision of necessary support and immediate relief to the victims of human rights violations.

Particular care and attention must be given to the children and young people who are traumatized by the event which led to the unhealthy disruption of their education and normal lives and routines.

Most importantly, the AFP should practice proper discrimination between innocent civilians and armed counterparts. They should observe proper conduct in engaging pursuit operations and adhere to international humanitarian laws such as the Geneva Convention and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Laws signed by the GRP and the NDFP.

The CEGP particularly directs its call to the Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, to afford more concern on the victims of human rights violations and innocent civilians with regards to their basic rights and welfare and implement concrete action on abusive military officials and elements.

Accordingly, the CEGP believes that the president should provide a greater budget on education, health and other social services, especially for the people in the countryside and less on military expenditures if her administration intends to work for peace and prosperity for all.

Reference:
Karen Papellero
Deputy Secretary-General
College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Cebu