NPA tags CHR-Negros Occ head an AFP agent

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — The provincial head of the Commission on Human Rights-Negros Occidental was accused by the New People’s Army as a special agent of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

This after CHR-Negros Occidental chief Romeo Baldevarona came out with an assessment that the NPA is the “top human rights violator in Negros.”

A statement, signed by Ka Juanito Magbanua of the Apolinario “Boy” Gatmaitan Command and sent to the media in the city, said the assessment of Baldevarona was “highly expected from him as an AFP special agent.”

It added: “He even went beyond declaring that the AFP has no violations whatsoever and went on further to conclude that the fascist military now has a high level of human rights consciousness.”

The NPA further accused Baldevarona of never investigating any human rights violation allegedly committed by the AFP, but has been quick instead in attacking or accusing the rebels.

The CHR office, under Baldevarona, never upheld the plight of human rights victims of the AFP, the NPA statement said. “The NPA has a high level of commitment to human rights advocacy and protection especially of the poor peasants, farm workers, laborers, women and children and other oppressed sectors,” it said.

“These commitments are enshrined in the NPA’s Three Discipline and Eight Points of Attention. The NPA fights for the interests of the oppressed people,” it said. “If mistakes are made, the NPA admits them, makes amends or pays for damages that it can afford and strictly impose disciplinary actions to offenders.”

Baldevarona could not be reached for comment on the issue as of yesterday. (FREEMAN)