10. Investigating encounters between the AFP and the CPP-NPA
When asked if the AFP has investigated killings during combat encounters, Gen. Esperon mentioned that all encounters are treated as a scene of crime and is conducted by the scene of crime operations (SOCO), which is a joint undertaking of the AFP and the PNP. However, it has no formal organization. Under Executive Order No. 546, the PNP has become an equal partner in counter-insurgency.
11. Procedure for complaints filed
When asked about the AFPs investigations into killings, General Esperon stated that before an investigation can commence, a complaint must first be filed. From the years 2000 to 2006, a total of 770 complaints were investigated. Complaints come from the Commission on Human Rights, the victims themselves, foreign or non-governmental organizations, the Department of Foreign Affairs, or the joint-monitoring committee. Thereafter, the report of the investigation will be submitted to the General Headquarters.
However, Gen. Esperon added that although the AFP entertains the complaints filed, it is the PNP which is the rightful or correct agency to proceed with the criminal investigation, with the AFP simply cooperating with the PNP by giving inputs and making its personnel available for investigation.
12. List of NPA victims
To emphasize his point that the CPP-NPA is the party to blame for the activist and media killings, General Esperon stated that AFP records show that a total of 1,227 persons have been liquidated by the NPA. Out of the 1,227, 384 were AFP and PNP officers or personnel while 843 were civilians. Interestingly, in the list of liquidated civilians, eight (8) of them were also known to be members of the group Karapatan.
13. Report of Task Force Usig
In the Report, a total of 111 militants were slain, six of whom were slain by military elements (2 military, 1 CAFGU, 3 military assets) and 10 other cases were allegedly linked to the military. However, these cases have not been referred to the AFP for investigation.
Gen. Esperon relayed his conversation with Gen. Razon wherein the latter mentioned that 15 cases were perpetrated by the NPA.
14. Ang Tala
Ang Tala is an official publication of the AFP which is published by the Civil Relations Service. The magazine may contain articles that do not reflect the official position of the AFP.
Gen. Esperon admitted having heard about the 2002 article written by Col. John Bonatus which clamed that the NDF formed Bayan Muna and that its growing influence in the electoral and parliamentary arena is a national security problem. However, he said that he could not comment thereon as he has not read it.
Extrajudicial Killings, Melo Commission Report on Extrajudicial Killings
