AFP chief reminds troops to respect human rights even against insurgents
Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—”Defeat the enemies of the state without violating human rights.”
That’s how Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Catapang Jr. described the military’s anti-insurgency program.
Speaking to reporters, Catapang said he has always reminded his military troops to abide by the AFP’s campaign of “Kawal disiplinado. Bawal abusado. Dapat asintado.”
When asked to comment on the arrest of retired Major General Jovito Palparan, he said authorities were just doing their job.
He mentioned reports that Palparan wanted an additional security due to massive threat to his life, but Catapang said they would provide security if there is a court order.
“We will follow the order of the court,” he said, citing Palparan is now “controlled by the court.”
The military chief said they are also monitoring on the developments on Palaparan.
President Benigno Aquino III in a turnover ceremony of assault riffles at Camp Crame on Thursday, meanwhile, said the arrest of Palparan bring forth a new breed of soldiers who are respected by the public.
While the military were seen as butchers in the past, he said, the military are now being respected and trusted as true partners of the Filipino people.
Palparan was arrested early Tuesday in Sta. Mesa, Manila by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by a Bulacan court on charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan.
On Wednesday, the court issued a commitment order to detain Palparan at the Bulacan provincial jail.
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