Bontoc, Mtn. Prov. – Human rights issues here will be the main issue when a group of human rights advocates gather for a dialogue on August 16.
Coordinated by the regional Commission on Human Rights office, it is a series of nationwide gatherings to discuss human rights updates and problems that may eventually result in an improved situation where the relationship of the government’s security forces, the local communities, and civil society groups will become better.
It likewise provides a venue where the peace keeping forces of the government and civilians will exchange information on their efforts to promote and protect human rights.
Provincial Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan Jr. said the activity is a welcome development considering the present peace and order situation in the province. At least two encounters were recorded recently between the New People’s Army and the government forces resulting in the death of at least four and the wounding of 13 others from the government side. Casualties of the communist group remain unknown as no reports had reached the public except the acknowledgment that those involved are members of the NPA.
Aside from the casualties, there were reported instances of human rights abuse. These are expected to be brought out during the dialogue as leaders of various cause-oriented groups have signified their intended participation. “This will be good for our people because this early, we could solve issues that could crop up,” Lacwasan said.
Aside from the PNP and army, invited to attend the dialogue are members of civic organizations, local media, human rights groups, barangay chairmen of selected barangays of Sadanga, Besao and Sagada. The mayors of the three municipalities were also given invitations.
In a related development, the provincial government has approved in principle the conduct of Community Service in selected brarangays of Besao by the Philippine Army. With the approval, an army team will be dispatched to the identified barangays and help the constituents avail of the poverty alleviation programs of national agencies.
Provincial government offices will also help the army during the preparation stages particularly in the skills training of the community people and during the identification of needs to be addressed.
In his presentation to the provincial governor, LTC Charles Castillo, commanding officer of the 81st IB which has jurisdiction over the municipalities of Besao and Tadian said that the community immersion program is not militarization but rather a scheme whereby the needs of the people would be properly documented and be given possible solutions.
Castillo said that the program has the support of local officials.** ABB
