The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has ordered a probe into Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) activities against the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Cordillera, particularly the reported use of bombings and airstrikes in the region.
According to a statement on Tuesday from the CHR-Cordillera, the probe is intended to ensure that the rights of “affected communities” are upheld.
“Civilians’ lives could be put at serious risk, livelihoods could be disrupted, and schools could be forced to close, potentially inflicting physical, emotional, and psychological trauma on the affected communities,” the statement read.
This is after reports of multiple airstrikes in the region from as far back as February this year, with a single airstrike operation in June in Balbalan, Kalinga reportedly having affected some 2,700 residents. Reports from independent human rights groups in the region indicate at least four airstrikes have occurred to date since last year.
Airstrikes have been recorded in Abra and Kalinga province, with the April bombing against reported NPA elements having forced evacuations amongst residents and the suspension of classes for safety.
According to the CHR, the AFP is still beholden to international humanitarian law. Under the Geneva Conventions, indiscriminate attacks such as aerial bombings are prohibited as combatants must distinguish between civilians and fighters during operations.
