Prisoners of war:
The US-Estrada regime is sabotaging the release of Martin and Buan

Basahin ang artikulong ito sa Pilipino

The US-Estrada regime is sabotaging the release of Philippine Army Maj. Noel Buan and P/Chief Insp. Abelardo Martin. Instead of paving the way for the orderly release of the prisoners of war by the New People's Army (NPA), Estrada has ordered the further intensification of military operations in Southern Tagalog.

On January 12, the NDFP negotiating panel and the Humanitarian and Peace Mission of Sen. Loren Legarda, Bishop Jesus Varela and Supreme Bishop Tomas Millamena signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the prisoners. This stipulated steps for the orderly release of the prisoners, including the suspension of trial proceedings against Buan and Martin by the Regional Operational Command of the NPA in Southern Tagalog; and the securing by the Humanitarian and Peace Mission from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) of an order suspending military operations and the withdrawal of forces in some areas in the region.

Instead of favorably considering the Memorandum of Agreement and achieving an easy solution to the release of the prisoners of war, the GRP has ordered relentless brigade-sized operations under the Southern Luzon Command and the 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. Aside from preventing the National Executive Committee of the NDF from convening in order to give consideration to the Memorandum of Understanding, this has also wrought grave harm on the livelihood and rights of the people of Southern Tagalog.

The GRP has mobilized for so-called rescue operations Task Forces Banahaw, Seagull and Panther and the 201st Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division. In direct contrast to the humanitarian treatment by the NPA of Buan and Martin, and in violation of the rules of war, the 5th Scout Ranger Coy and the 49th IB mercilessly tortured and killed Ka Sixto (Armando Cerna Jr., 45) after the latter was captured in a gunbattle in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro on January 29 (see related article).

The capture of Buan and Martin is a humanitarian act by the NPA. Contrary to the policy of the GRP of detaining and criminalizing or torturing and killing their captives, it is the policy of the NPA to arrest as prisoners of war anyone who is captured or surrenders in battle.

The NPA respects the rights of prisoners of war in accordance with international humanitarian laws and rules of war. Their right to defend themselves in a fair trial is recognized. Prisoners may be released for humanitarian and political considerations.

Due to the insistence of the US-Estrada regime on resolving the issue of the prisoners of war through relentless military operations instead of the easy way of negotiations, the release of Major Buan and P/Chief Inspector Martin will be delayed substantially. Responsibility rests squarely on Estrada's shoulders should any harm befall the prisoners of war and their custodians as a result of these operations. For as long as the reactionary regime refuses to reciprocate its offer, the NDFP negotiating panel may withdraw its endorsement of the appeal of the Humanitarian and Peace Mission. And for as long as the prisoners of war are in its custody, the NPA reserves the right to continue investigating them for possible trial.

January 2000
English Edition

	Editorial: The people and the revolutionary movement will defeat the US-Estrada regime's military solution
	On intensifying AFP aggression against the MILF-BIAF
	Prisoners of war: The US-Estrada regime is sabotaging the release of Martin and Buan
	13 Victorious tactical offensives launched in Southern Tagalog!
	A big head blow through accumulated small victories
	Onward to 2000
	NPA tactical offensives resume in Negros
	The US-Estrada regime's blatant fascist and terrorist rule in Southern Tagalog
	Armando "Ka Sixto" Cerna Jr.: Victim of the fascist regime's cruelty
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