AI blames AFP, MILF for rights violations in Mindanao

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International on Tuesday blamed the Philippine military and separatist rebels for the gross human rights violations in Mindanao. “The failure of both the Philippine military and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to ensure that their forces comply with international law during the 2008-2009 conflict has resulted in human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law," the group said in its 74-page report entitled Philippines: Shattered lives, beyond the 2008-2009 Mindanao Armed Conflict. It cited a case in January 2009 wherein a large group of soldiers arrested 10 men in Ungap village in Sultan Kudarat. The soldiers allegedly forced their way into houses, pointing their guns and destroying villagers’ belongings. One female villager told AI that the detained men, including her husband, were later given electric shocks. Nine were released but her husband remains in detention. According to another family member, his interrogators questioned him over a 10-week period while administering electric shocks and beating him. “The authorities continue to treat many Muslim civilians as MILF supporters or fighters. In some cases the security forces have arrested Moros arbitrarily, subjecting some of them to enforced disappearances, torture and other ill treatment," the report said. IDPs The report also detailed the risks faced by residents driven out of their homes by the armed conflict. It said at present, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mindanao is around 300,000 – still a large number considering that the government and the MILF had declared a ceasefire in July 29 in preparation for the resumption of peace talks. “At the center of the armed conflict are the lives of the hundreds and thousands of civilians who have been displaced. Dependent on aid, with no sure prospects of livelihood, no safe communities or sometimes even standing homes to go back to, theirs is an uncertain future," the report said. It noted that “the lack of a neutral human rights monitor respected by both parties to the conflict has meant that effective investigations and bringing the perpetrators to justice has not occurred." The London-based group also said the presence of armed groups and privately armed militias, as well as localized attacks between feuding clans, have also aggravated the already volatile and complex situation. Govt obligation Donna Guest, AI’s Asia Pacific deputy director, said the recent ceasefire agreement has raised the hopes of the affected civilians, “so the burden is now on the government and the MILF to demonstrate that they are sincere in prioritizing the well-being of the local population." Guest added that the Arroyo government is “obliged" under international law to ensure that displaced people are protected and have proper access to adequate food, water and medical assistance. Talks between the government and the MILF collapsed in August 2008 after both sides failed to sign an agreement on ancestral domain. This prompted two MILF commanders and their men to launch deadly attacks on mostly Christian communities in Central Mindanao. The renewed fighting has killed over one hundred and displaced tens of thousands of people, many of whom in deplorable conditions in government evacuation centers. Late last month, government and MILF negotiators met and re-established official contact in Kuala Lumpur as part of its preparation for the resumption of formal talks after a year of impasse. Malaysia is brokering the peace talks. - GMANews.TV