NDF warns of possible withdrawal from talks
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) warned that it may withdraw from the peace talks if the reactionary government fails to put a stop to mounting cases of human rights abuses committed by the military and police in the countryside. The NDFP likewise took note of reports on massive fraud and terrorism, especially against progressive parties. NDFP peace panel member and Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) cochair Fidel Agcaoili said these developments pose a big obstacle to the peace talks' continuation. The NDFP and GRP are set to conduct their second round of talks in Oslo, Norway on June 22-25.
The NDFP belied the AFP�s exaggerated claims that violations of human rights committed by its men have abated. KARAPATAN and the Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace have recorded 3,150 cases of human rights violations during Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's 40 months in office. There were 171,369 victims of killings, abductions, bombings, forcible evacuations and harassment. Most of the incidents occurred in the countryside. This contradicts claims by Lt. Col. Daniel Lucero, AFP Information Office chief that only 55 cases of human rights abuse were filed against the military in 2003.
Meanwhile, on June 4, Rev. Fr. Allan Archebuche, Promotion of Church People's Response president, submitted cases of human rights violations to the JMC office at the Immaculate Concepcion Parish in Quezon City. The PCPR requested an investigation on the series of bombings in Davao City where Gen. Angelo Reyes, former defense secretary and the regime's current anti-kidnapping task force chief has been implicated.
The PCPR likewise cited the long list of brutal murders, attempted murders, forced disappearances, harassment and grave threats committed against civilians and activists by 204th IBde troops in Oriental Mindoro. Also reported was the case involving Biring Pasia, a 72-year-old farmer from Candelaria, Quezon. Pasia, who was suspected of being an NPA guerrilla was tortured for a whole day by elements of the Philippine Army.
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