Elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) terrorized Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo through artillery explosions in the mountainous area of the barangay last December 1, Super Radyo Iloilo reports.
A kagawad of Barangay Alimodias attested that the bombings took place at 5 o’clock of daybreak.
The kagawad attests he witnessed “jet fighters” roaming the skies over the farmlands of Barangay Alimodias. He added that “four shots” were directed to Sitio Tigmahan by the artillery and four shots to Sitio Burak.
The uncertainty as to when the bombs were fired by the artillery and launched by military aircraft heightened fear among the residents, critics assert.
Reports underscore even the residents’ sources of livelihood are damaged. Additionally, the four bombs used are estimated to cost $3,000 or P150,000 each which critics contend is a clear waste of the people’s money.
Meanwhile, on the same day, army officials reported 8 unidentified dead bodies in Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias.
This was after the 61st Infantry Battalion (IB) and 31st Division Recon Company’s (DRC) alleged “encounter” with the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) early in the morning.
Brigadier General Marion Sison, commander of 301IB, detailed that they received information from “concerned citizens” about alleged CPP-NPA members of Suyak, Sentro de Grabedad (SDG) Platoon, Southern Front (SF)-Panay reinforcing their plans of terrorist attacks and extortions, in a hideout in Sitio Burak.
The military troops requested the close-air and field artillery support to take down the claimed rebel group. Sison announced that the troops have “prevented” the rebel group’s terror plans.
On the other hand, the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) accounted aerial bombings that started on October 30 and resumed on November 2 after a temporary halt in remote areas of Butuan, Bukidnon; the municipality of Ipasug-ong was the mos affected.
Major Francisco Garello ordered to “finish off the NPA” in the area where the military pointed out former NPA leader Ka Oris died. CPP disproved this statement, affirming that Ka Oris was unarmed and was ambushed by soldiers.
The Bukidnon bombing was “held through the night causing fires and trauma to the communities,” according to PEPP.
The PEPP has already appealed to the government to stop the bombings as they result to immense destruction and collateral damage.
“The bombing of communities is almost always indiscriminate, and the victims are more often non-combatants and innocent civilians. This goes against provisions in International Humanitarian Law and has long-term implications for the traumatized communities,” PEPP stated.
Featured image courtesy of Municipality of Miag-ao
