Arroyo accuses NPA, MILF rogue leaders as rights violators

MANILA, Philippines — President Arroyo on Wednesday accused the New People's Army (NPA) and the rogue leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as the chief human rights violators in the country. A local radio report said Mrs Arroyo's remark came in line with the 60th Anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. At the same time, Mrs Arroyo also appealed to the public to focus their attention on protecting the rights of the youth who are being recruited by rebels to become combatants. The Chief Executive also issued a directive to the Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD) to come up with a children’s defense fund that would assist abused children financially. - Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV