Reds behind 532 incidents of private property destruction: AFP

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said communist terrorist groups (CTGs) are behind the 532 incidents of destruction of civilian-owned property since 2010.

In a statement, AFP public affairs office chief, Navy. Capt. Jonathan Zata said these incidents were included in the report submitted by the AFP Human Rights Office (HRO) to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Thursday.

He said the destruction of property was done mostly by arson by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Data collected by the AFPHRO from field units provided a factual and verifiable basis for the report.

The year 2017 saw the highest number of incidents at 87, followed by 73 incidents in 2014; 64 in 2018; 58 in 2015; 53 in 2016; 47 in 2020; 43 in 2010; 38 in 2012; 33 in 2013; 30 in 2011; and six in 2019.

Majority of the incidents were recorded in regions in Mindanao — Caraga, 107; Davao Region, 89; Northern Mindanao, 63; and Soccsksargen, 55.

Meanwhile, no incident of destruction of private property by the communist terrorists was recorded in Metro Manila.

The figures which had been recorded are expected to rise as AFP units continue their inquiry and tender reports on the activities of non-state armed groups.

AFPHRO chief Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac said the CPP-NPA-NDF’s acts of destroying civilian property has shown a nationwide pattern of organized, continuing, and systematic scheme as part of their violent struggle.

“To come up with a comprehensive statistical analysis which may lead to the filing of appropriate charges of IHL (International Humanitarian Law) violations, our office orchestrated the collection of data from lower AFP units and offices regarding the destruction of civilian-owned property by the (CPP-NPA-NDF). These unlawful activities constitute violation of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law as well as local laws such as RA (Republic Act) 9851,” he added.

As part of its mandate, the AFPHRO continues to monitor Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law violations by non-state armed groups such as the CPP-NPA-NDF.

The communist movement’s rebellion is the longest ongoing armed conflict in the Philippines with its armed components committing violent activities through the use of guerilla tactics for more than five decades now.

Meanwhile, AFP chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay lauded the efforts of the AFPHRO for continuously exposing the CTGs.

He said the groups’ persistent disregard of human rights and international humanitarian law by destroying civilian properties should not be targeted in the course of an armed conflict.

“With the assistance and support of the CHR, we will be able to put a stop to the CPP-NPA-NDF’s criminal acts. The AFP, through its Human Rights Office, will continuously coordinate with the appropriate agencies in this whole-of-nation approach towards just and lasting peace,” he added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.