Probe pushed on Army rights abuses in Cagayan

RIZAL, Cagayan – A partylist group urged the government particularly the Commission on Human Rights to investigate alleged numerous violations against indigenous peoples in Zinundungan Valley here allegedly by military forces.

This, after fact finding mission conducted by multi-sectoral groups from Cagayan and its adjacent regions in Zinundungan Valley from Sept. 16-19.

Jill K. Carino, second nominee of  Sulong Katribu Party list said,  "Atrocities committed by military elements belonging to the 5th ID, 502nd Infantry Brigade at 17th Infantry Battalion in Zindungan Valley are shocking, to say the least.” The FFM report revealed how “soldiers mercilessly violated the human rights of the indigenous Aggay, Malaweg and Kalinga, as well as, of peasant leaders and civilians.”

Among the grave violations committed, the report said, were abduction, torture, and illegal arrest of Aggay leader, Mendo Bisiotan along with Marlon Baganay and Orlando Duruin, a senior citizen in Sitio Daligan, San Juan in June 20.

Another case was threat, harassment, intimidation and endangering lives of peasant leaders.

Among victims were Steward Garon, ElingAzucena, Rafael Guimay, all from the Malaweg Farmers’ Association.

Other victims include Felipe Bisiotan, Ambona Batolan of the Timpuyog dagiti Mannalon nga Aggay and ArisInfante, Raul Ladino, Lina Ladino and Edward Callueng of the Lipatan Farmers Association.

Other cases included filing of trumped-up charges against civilians such as kidnapping with homicide; collective rights of the Aggays such as illegal search and divestment of properties, gun toting, harassment, threat and intimidation; violations against the rights of women and children; encampment on barangay hall, health center and residential houses; and coddling a criminal.

“Firsthand accounts of abduction, illegal arrest, torture, threat, harassment, intimidation, and filing of trumped up charges, among others, remind us of the abuses committed during Martial Law.” Carino said, herself a former political detainee during Martial Law.

Carino urged authorities and the Commission on Human Rights to immediately conduct a humanitarian and investigative mission and take steps to bring the perpetrators to justice.