AI: Arming of civilians in Mindanao disastrous

MANILA, Philippines — Creating civilian militias in defense of possible attacks from armed groups will only worsen the violence in Mindanao, human rights group Amnesty International (AI) said. In a statement posted on its website on Thursday, the group said the recent attacks by rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels in Mindanao in the past two weeks is already bad, and the response of some officials to arm civilians would be disastrous for the country. “MILF units that targeted villages have engaged in serious violations of international law and should be held to account," said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Director. “But experience from around the world shows that the deployment of civilian militias can set off a chain of reprisals and only increases the danger facing civilians." Local political leaders in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato led efforts to form civilian militias after the MILF attacks that killed at least 30 people in Lanao del Norte alone, said Amnesty International. A militia group called “God Save Iligan City" has been set up by 300 licensed gun owners, politicians and local government officials in Iligan City, said Amnesty International. Meanwhile, North Cotabato local patrons reportedly supplied guns and ammunitions to Civil Volunteer Organization (CVO) forces despite local security officials’ alleged rejection of Vice Governor Emmanuel Piñol’s request to provide ammunition for civilian militia. AI further said the Provincial Peace and Order Council composed of civil society, military and local authorities in Zamboanga del Norte decided to arm CVOs on August 19, with provincial governor Rolando Yebes reportedly saying, “We have to protect ourselves... the military could not warrant our safety. They come late." The Philippine National Police itself has backed the creation of civilian militia by shipping 1,000 guns to "selected, screened and trained" police auxiliaries in MILF strongholds in Mindanao. PNP Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon Jr. clarified that the “auxiliary policemen" were only given shotguns and not high-powered firearms like M-14 and M-16 rifles because the will partake in village defense and not in assaults on the MILF. Zarifi said Mindanao residents’ apprehension is understandable given the recent atrocities committed by the MILF, but maintained that it is the government who must secure the safety of civilians. “The recent violent attacks by MILF elements have of course shaken many of Mindanao’s residents, who have every right to demand greater protection. Many people in Mindanao are terrified of a return to a period when armed Muslim insurgents and Christian vigilante ‘Ilaga’ groups attacked civilians with impunity," said Zafiri. “All sides to this conflict should step back from the brink and demonstrate their commitment to avoid harming civilians. The MILF must control its forces, and the Philippine government should take responsibility for the security of all peoples in the Philippines, regardless of religion or ethnicity," he added. The Commission on Human Rights on Thursday also opposed arming civilians in Mindanao, saying it will lead to further violence in the region. - GMANews.TV