NDF leaders want compensation for victims of landmine blast

By: Frances Mangosing - 10 years ago

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MANILA, Philippines—The National Democratic Front leadership ordered the “indemnification” of civilian victims of the landmine blast set up by communist rebels in Davao del Sur.

“The Regional Council of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Southern Mindanao Region orders for the indemnification of Mr. Genaro Doronio Dumayas, Ms. Bonita dela Cruz, Mr. Arnel Comandante Veloroso and Mr. Alberto Simbajon Cabual who were wounded during the New People’s Army’s tactical offensive in Barangay Managa, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, on March 2, 2014,” the NDF said in a statement.

The NDF did not give further details on the compensation but said that Third Party Facilitators, comprised of church people, medical practitioners and other advocates, is requested to expedite the public dispensation of indemnification.

The NDF said the move was a response to the apology and recommendations submitted by the New People’s Army. It was also in compliance with the Geneva Conventions for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armed Forces, the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), the NDFP Declaration of Undertaking to Apply the Geneva, the Constitutional Guide for Establishing the People’s Democratic Government, and the Basic Rules of the NPA.

A landmine blast early this month injured 17 soldiers and civilians in Bansalan town. A convoy of ambulances that was set to rescue wounded soldiers were hit by a bomb set off by the communist rebels.

The NPA issued an apology after the incident.

No to Alsa Masa

The NDF also said it was against the revival of Alsa Masa, a vigilante group organized in the villages in Southern Mindanao against the NPA during the 1980s to counter the communist rebels.

“The Alsa Masa will not only be used to deter the New People’s Army but it will also target civilians, ordinary peasants and progressive leaders. By sponsoring Alsa Masa, covert vigilante groups and arming civilians, local GPH officials and the AFP are opening the floodgates for more human rights atrocities,” the NDF said.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte also rejected the revival of Alsa Masa, which became a clamor after the attacks in Bansalan and Matanao recently.