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MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) condemned the attack and hostage taking by members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Zamboanga City, calling it a “barbaric” and “treacherous” act.
READ: 6 killed, 24 hurt in Zamboanga clashes
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 10, CHR Chair Loretta Rosales said the MNLF faction violated several International Humanitarian and Human Rights laws when it staged a protest and subsequently took civilians as hostages on Monday morning, September 9,
“It is basic and elementary humanitarian law to protect civilians and persons that take no active part in the hostilities and yet the alleged MNLF has shown its utter disregard,” Rosales said.
Law violations
Rosales cited the provisions of the Geneva Convention Common Article 3 and RA 9851 (An Act Defining and Penalizing Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity) which prohibit the taking of hostages.
Rosales also said that the MNLF’s occupation of the 5 barangays that displaced thousands of residents constituted serious violations of the laws applicable in armed conflict.
She added that the attack is also violative of section 4 (c) 1 of RA 9851 which prohibits ‘intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population or against individual civilians not taking direct part in hostilities.’
“The Rule of Law is likewise blatantly disregarded with impunity in the acts of the alleged MNLF,” Rosales said.
READ: 912 evacuees in Zamboanga – and counting
Peace process
The MNLF, which signed a peace agreement with the Ramos government in 1996, is opposed to the ongoing peace process with the rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Rosales said that while the CHR believes in an all-inclusive peace process in Mindanao, it maintained that violence and lawlessness should never be an option.
She added that the MNLF should recourse its concerns with the current peace process with the national government in the proper platform.
“It cannot, as it is doing now, take its action against innocent civilians and residents of Zamboanga City,” Rosales said.
READ: Basilan on alert; MNLF sets demands
‘Respect human rights’
CHR called for the MNLF to immediately release the civilian hostages and end the stand-off.
The commission also called the government to “fully enforce” the rule of law ensuring the safety of civilians and displaced residents.
As of this publication, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said at least 250 hostages remain in the hands of the MNLF members – 220 from Brgy Sta Catalina, 20 from Talon-Talon, and 10 in Sta Barbara.
Zamboanga City mayor Isabelle Climaco said that authorities are addressing the crisis but they would not divulge details of the operation. – with a report by David Lozada/Rappler.com
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