Military Denies Aetas in Zambales were Abused and Forced to Eat Human Waste
The Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division denied the accusations that Aetas in Zambales are being abused and forced to eat human waste by military personnel.
7ID says on Tuesday strongly denied the accusations that some of the military members are abusing the Aeta community in San Marcelino, Zambales, adding that they also forced some Aetas to eat the waste came from humans.
7ID Public Affairs Office Chief Major Amado Gutierrez said based on the report of GMA News, after the encounter happened, they have intercepted or arrested individuals suspected members of the New People’s Army. They arrest some alleged rebels, including minors.
“After po ng engkuwentro, mayroon po tayong na-intercept o naaresto na mga individuals na lumalabas mula doon sa encounter site,” Gutierrez said.
“Siyam po sila. And then later on na-find out po natin na out of nine, lima po doon ay mga NPA. Tatlong lalaki at dalawang babae. ‘Yung isang babae po ay menor de edad… ‘Yun pong remaining na apat, tatlo po doon ay minor, aged five, ten and 12, at saka po ‘yung tumatayo nilang nanay, ito ring supporter ng NPA,” Gutierrez added.
Gutierrez also revealed that one of their soldiers was killed in a firefight. He also emphasized that the arrested individuals experience no abuse and forced to eat human waste, contrary to the claim of some leftist groups.
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He said they took care of those who were arrested and rescued near the encounter site. The military even brought the suspected NPAs to a doctor.
“Ito pong mga naaresto natin at na-rescue malapit sa encounter site, atin po silang inalagaan. At nang ibinababa po natin sila sa sentro ng San Marcelino, atin po silang ipinatingin sa doktor,” Gutierrez said.
“Actually nagko-conduct po kami ng investigation ngayon, at base sa result ng initial investigation, wala pong katotohanan ‘yung mga ibinibintang nila,” he added.
The Sandugo group said in a separate statement, claiming that a total of 659 families from Aeta communities have evacuated due to the repeated bombings of the military in Sitio Lumibao.
“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. The Aeta residents oppose this project because they know it will destroy the environment, as well as their ancestral lands,” Sandugo said.
Gutierrez said the Philippine Army does not condone mistreatment inside and outside the organization, citing the soldiers’ respect for human rights, even the communist rebels. He swore that if it was proven that the soldiers had abused Aetas, they would be held accountable for their actions.
Sandugo, meanwhile, urged the Commission on Human Rights to investigate the incident as it also called for the 7th ID, especially this commanding officer, to be held accountable for criminal acts for their alleged abusive behavior.
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