AFP objects to rights group's claim of escalating attacks vs IPs

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday objected to remarks made by Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI) denouncing the alleged "escalating attacks" by the military against indigenous peoples.

"We take exception to that sweeping statement by some quarters who may have been fed by false or fabricated information. We have been in IP communities responding to their calls for help or assistance," AFP spokesman Major General Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.

The IPRI earlier condemned the alleged displacement of Aeta families in Zambales, the killing of a Manobo woman in North Cotabato, and the destruction of Lumad school in Bukidnon.

IPRI co-director Joan Carling claimed that the attacks were acts of barbarism, discrimination, and gross violation of human rights as concerted actions to silence IPs from defending their rights.

However, the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division denied allegations that soldiers supposedly abused and forced Zambales Aetas to eat human waste.

Arevalo said the allegation against the 7ID turned out to be "hearsay, unfounded claims, and lies," noting that those apprehended during an operation were suspected communists "belonging to the same IP communities who perpetrated the baseless accusations of human rights violations."

"Even the alleged bombing of Aeta communities by military personnel was belied by their chieftain Marcelo Galado," added the military's spokesperson.

Arevalo urged those who have complaints against servicemen to report their concerns with the respective units involved, though the complaints needed to be supported with documents or testimony that substantiated the alleged abuse.

He vowed that the military would take appropriate actions on these complaints.

"We do not tolerate transgressions. As a matter of fact, we are protectors of human rights especially of IPs who often fall victim to abuse and exploitations by communist terrorist groups and blame the AFP for it," said Arevalo. — DVM, GMA News