IBP condemns use of landmines, disregard of laws

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Friday called for accountability following the deaths of football player Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven at the hands of communist rebels.

The police said members of the New People’s Army (NPA) detonated an anti-personnel mine, while a group of bikers, which included the Absalon cousins, were passing along Barangay Anas, Masbate City last Sunday.

It was later revealed that the cousins also had gunshot wounds

“We strongly condemn the use of anti-personnel landmines, seek justice for the innocent victims, and demand full accountability and punishment for those who callously deployed the landmines,” the IBP said.

“Let us be firm and united in banishing anti-personnel landmines from the Philippines and in the world.  Let us work together to uphold our laws and the principles of humanity to achieve genuine and lasting peace in our beloved country.”

The NPA has already apologized and claimed responsibility for the attack, but Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said it must surrender the perpetrators to the government.

The Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines both have announced that they were conducting a manhunt for the suspects behind the killings.

“No goal or ideology can justify a blatant disregard of the laws and conscience of humanity. Even in the extreme conditions of war, the principles of decency and humanity must be honored,” the IBP said.

The Commission on Human Rights has already condemned the violent incident, saying the use of anti-personnel landmines is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law. -MDM, GMA News