Liberation Movements

Child advocates decry CHR decision on Grecil

They're urging for independent autopsy of Grecil's remains, particularly since there were traces of powder burns on the child's head -- an indication that she may have been shot at close range, the groups said.

The CHR, according to Kabiba, is ?passing the burden of proof to the victim and is trying to vindicate human-rights violators.? It added that the CHR?s conclusion -- that Grecil died in a crossfire during a legitimate encounter -- "is actually inconclusive because the CHR did not actually employ scientific and defensible probing methods like the conduct of autopsy.?


Lack of Merit? Grecil's parents, shown here during a press conference in Manila in April, have also filed charges against the soldiers before the courts and the ombudsman. (Photo by arkibongbayan.org)

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Gov’t, MILF urged: Extend life of ceasefire body

Without the intervention by the AHJAG -- which investigates incidents of violence or disturbance that, on many occasions in the past, complicated the negotiations -- elements from the military and the MILF could easily engage in confrontation, given the often unknown or unclear origins of violent conflicts, particularly in the MILF areas in Central Mindanao. Criminal syndicates operate in that area and their activities have often been blamed on the MILF, thus complicating the peace process and the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

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CHR clears military in Grecil’s death

In a May 21 decision, the Commission on Human Rights in Southern Mindanao said Grecil Buya was killed in a legitimate crossfire between soldiers and rebels, and that there was no evidence that the soldiers violated the rights of Grecil. It also said that there was no evidence to suggest that she was a communist guerrilla, as earlier alleged by the military.

Grecil Buya's parents had sued the soldiers before the CHR, alleging that the troops summarily executed the girl. (Photo courtesy of MindaNews)

Continue ReadingCHR clears military in Grecil’s death