First, the CPP/NPA/NDF publicly claims responsibility for some killings. Sometimes the victims have been current or former members. This is true, as anyone can validate by reading the CPP/NPA/NDF`s publication online.
Second, the CPP/NPA/NDF have conducted large scale internal purges of members suspected of being government informants. But this happened roughly 20 years ago.
Third, I was provided a list of 1,227 names, dates, and places of individuals alleged to have been killed by the CPP or NPA. Despite numerous requests for any substantiating documentation of any of these cases, virtually none was provided. A list of unsubstantiated assertions is, needless to say, nearly useless.
Fourth, I was provided with a document captured from the rebels in May 2006 describing an “Operation Bushfire” in which they would purge their own members and make it look like as if the military was responsible. In the absence of strong supporting evidence, which I requested, this document bears all the hallmarks of a fabrication and cannot be taken as evidence of anything other than disinformation.
I should be absolutely clear. There is no doubt, based on the evidence provided to me by civil society, that the NPA kills people. These killings are reprehensible and to be condemned. However, there is absolutely no evidence that the recent surge in killings of leftist activists is due to a communist purge. On the contrary, strong and consistent evidence leads to the conclusion that a significant number of these killings are due to the actions of the military.
My preliminary note to the Council makes a handful of recommendations. My final report will make many more. But I would stress that these recommendations will make little difference unless there is a fundamental change of heart on the part of the military or the emergence of civilian resolve to compel the military to change its ways. Then, and only then, will it be possible to make real progress in ending the killings. (davaotoday.com)
[tags]davao today, extrajudicial killings, UN Human Rights Council, UN, philippines, philippine politics, philippine left, philip alston, arroyo, philippine military, new people’s army, communism[/tags]
Extrajudicial Killings
