AFP lauds CHR Bicol reso showing Reds violated Absalons’ rights

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday commended the Human Rights Commission (CHR) Region 5 (Bicol) resolution stating that college soccer player Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven suffered human rights abuses and ill-treatment during the unprovoked attack on June by Communists Terrorists.

CHR Bicol’s July 7 resolution was based on complaints filed by Nolven’s mother, Cristine T. Absalon and Vilma B. Absalon, Keith’s mother.

The resolution also states that the families and heirs of the victims must receive adequate compensation.

“In a democratic, progressive society like ours, senseless violence that harasses innocent civilians has no place. We at AFP commend the work of CHR in protecting people like Keith and Nolven and holding those responsible to justice, ”said AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. in a statement.

Both Keith and Nolven were killed when Keith’s nephew Chrisbin Daniel was injured in an attack on an anti-personnel mine (APM) in Barangay Anas, Masbate City, on June 6.

At least 24 NPA members were charged by Masbate City Police Department with the incident of murder and frustrated murder in front of the City Prosecutor’s Office.

The incident is said to have been committed by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Masbate City.

“With the help of the CHR, our units on site are now equipped with the knowledge to advance and protect the principles of human rights. We will continue to be vigilant as we monitor and report on the disregard for the rights of innocent civilians by the communist terrorist group, ”said Faustino.

According to CHR Bicol, the explosions and 79 fired cartridges recovered from the site of the explosions were evidence that disproportionate force was used on victims who could not afford to fight off the attack.

It added that the acts of communist terrorists that resulted in the death of the victims were their willful disregard of the victims’ right to life and security under Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Section 1 of Article III of the Philippine Constitution, Republic Law 9851 or the Philippine Law on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity and Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.

Director of the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict, Brig. Gen. General Joel Alejandro Nacnac previously said: “The use, storage, manufacture and transportation of an improvised explosive device (IED), which is considered an anti-personnel mine (APM), is post-humanitarian International law (IHL) prohibited and is punished according to section 4 (c) (25) (iv) of RA 9851. “

“The perpetrators, including their leaders, should be prosecuted for these human rights abuses and violations of the IHL against innocent civilians. They aimed IED at victims and even deliberately fired shots that caused serious damage and impunity, ”he added.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is classified as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)