Statement by the Movement Against Tyranny
June 16, 2021
The Movement Against Tyranny joins other human rights advocates and concerned groups in deploring the killing of two civilians and wounding of several others by elements of the New People’s Army in Masbate last June 6. The killing of unarmed civilians and non- combatants, intentional or not, are violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and cannot be condoned. We earnestly await the result of the investigation being conducted by the party involved.
We extend our condolences to the Absalon family. As a matter of justice, those found responsible for the incident should be held to account and indemnification be provided for the deaths of the two civilians and injuries to others.
This incident is a stark reminder of the untoward effect of the long- running armed conflict on civilians and non-combatants. It moreover underscores the need and urgency of addressing all violations of IHL as well as human rights as a whole by the protagonists in the armed conflict through mutually agreed mechanisms as provided for in the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). This unfortunate incident should not be allowed to lead to or be utilized for the further escalation of the violence, most especially leading to more civilian deaths.
Such tragedies will continue to happen unless all obstacles to resuming peace talks are removed and a political settlement is reached that addresses the roots of the armed conflict. Thus, we urge both parties to exert greater eforts to revive the peace talks.#
Ref.: Sr. Mary John Mananzan and Dr. Carol Araullo,
MAT co-convenors
