DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Human rights group Karapatan condemned the shooting of a pregnant New People’s Army (NPA) member in Tagum City, calling the incident a violation of international humanitarian law (IHL).
Arnida Cuaton Manuiguilid, also known by the aliases Ka Lovi, Fikong and Yassy, was shot on Sept. 19 in Barangay Visayan, Tagum City, according to separate statements from the National Democratic Front-Far South Mindanao Region (NDF-FSMR) and Karapatan.
The accounts, however, differ on who shot her.
The NDF-FSMR claimed government forces shot and arrested Manuiguilid while she was on medical leave from the NPA because of her pregnancy.
The military said Manuiguilid was shot by a former companion after she sought to leave the armed movement and later turned to the government for assistance.
Pregnant and on medical leave
In a Sept. 28 statement, NDF-FSMR spokesperson Kim Montiza said Manuiguilid had been placed on medical leave to receive medical attention for her complicated pregnancy.
Karapatan, citing a local report, said Manuiguilid was seven months pregnant and unarmed when she was shot in the back while entering the gate of the boarding house where she was staying.
The rights group said she was brought to a hospital by her housemate and was later taken into military custody.
Karapatan raises IHL concerns
Karapatan Deputy Secretary General Atty. Maria Sol Taule said Manuiguilid’s condition and alleged status as an unarmed person on medical leave raised concerns under IHL.
“The pregnant NPA member, also vulnerable due to her condition, clearly had hors de combat status. Despite this, she was shot in the back, which crippled her and endangered her unborn child as well,” Taule said.
The NDF-FSMR likewise said Manuiguilid was entitled to protection under international humanitarian law because she was pregnant and was not engaged in combat when she was shot.
“Arnida is one of the victims of the AFP’s false reports released to the media to deceive and poison the minds of the people, and to cover up their violations,” Montiza said in Cebuano. (davaotoday.com)
