CHR to probe reports soldiers allegedly forced Aetas to eat human waste

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said on Tuesday it will conduct a probe into reports that military personnel allegedly forced Aeta community members in San Marcelino, Zambales  to eat human waste.

In a statement, CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia expressed concern over the allegations made against the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID).

“The Commission for its part, in conjunction with the ongoing military investigation, will be conducting its own separate investigation through its regional office to ensure impartiality and attain the truth in these allegations,” she said.

7ID Public Affairs Office chief Major Amado Gutierrez said an encounter happened between troops and suspected members of the New People's Army in Sitio Lumibao, Barangay Buhawen on August 21.

Some alleged rebels including some minors were arrested. The firefight also resulted in the killing of one soldier, Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez underscored that the arrested individuals were not abused and were not forced to eat human waste, contrary to the claim of some leftist groups.

He said the military even brought the suspected members of the New People’s Army to a doctor.

“The Commission notes that the 7ID Public Affairs Office Chief Major Amado Gutierrez in his statement espoused the primacy of human rights in military operations,” De Guia said.

“We welcome the statement of Major Gutierrez and the ongoing investigation currently being conducted by the military to uncover the truth to these allegations,” she added.

Gutierrez said the Philippine Army never tolerates maltreatment within and outside the organization, noting that soldiers have respect for human rights, even for the communist rebels.

He vowed that if it is proven that soldiers abused Aetas, they will be held liable for their actions.

In a separate statement, the group Sandugo claimed that on that day, a total of 659 families evacuated due to repeated bombings of Aeta communities in Sitio Lumibao by the military.

"Reports reveal that the 7th ID’s bombardment of the IP community is meant to drive away the Aetas and pave way for mining explorations of Dizon Copper-Silver Mines, Inc.,” it said.

“The Aeta residents oppose this project because they know it will destroy the environment, as well as their ancestral lands," it added. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News