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SOMO VIOLATIONS
INDICATE MILITARY OPERATIONS
TO INTENSIFY AFTER BUAN'S RELEASE
NEWS RELEASE
05 April 2001
Partylist group BAYAN MUNA called on military and police elements in Southern Tagalog to strictly observe the SOMO and the SOPO to facilitate the safe release of Army Major Noel Buan and to avoid jeopardizing the peace process.
Joining a caravan-rally from Calapan to Victoria town in Oriental Mindoro yesterday, BAYAN MUNA Partylist nominee and GABRIELA Secretary General Liza Maza said, "with the NPA's release of its POW as a confidence building measure, the peace negotiations are off to a good beginning. We hope this is not marred by more reports of SOMO and SOPO violations especially in the Southern Tagalog region."
Maza cited that human rights group KARAPATAN has monitored continued military operations in Oriental Mindoro last March 23 and 29. Over 60 AFP troops were reportedly sighted in Bagong Sikat, Bulalacao. SAF-PNP troops have also conducted operations in San Cristobal, Royal and Sampaguita in Victoria. Residents fear that military operations could intensify after Buan's release.
"The military's SOMO violations are portents of what awaits Mindoro residents after Buan's release. If a SOMO could not keep them from causing distress to peasant communities, we dread to even think of the human rights violations that could occur after the SOMO is lifted and Buan is released. We want every assurance from President Arroyo that military operations will actually be stopped especially with the resumption of peace negotiations."
"It is not just the GRP and the NDFP who are looking forward to a cessation in military offensives. More importantly, the peasant and indigenous communities here in Mindoro are hoping that they could finally work their fields in peace, without fear of being suspected as NPA supporters."
Maza cited the killing of seven farmers in last year's Victoria massacre in Mindoro, "they were killed by military men on the basis of mere suspicion. Justice evades them to this day."
"We also call on President Arroyo not to allow the military men to dominate her administration, as their military tendencies could spoil the peace process. We hope the administration is sincere in its efforts and will pursue all avenues towards a just and lasting peace in the country." Maza concluded. ###
