AFP barred only ‘criminals,’ not ‘Prisoners of War’

MANILA, Philippines— The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) emphasizes “there are no political prisoners being held in government, but only ‘criminals’ facing various criminal offences.”

Brigadier General Eduardo del Rosario, commander of the AFP Civil Relations Office, said in a statement that releasing these prisoners “is a flawed confidence-building” because it will put the country’s legal process in question, considering that these people were barred because of various crimes ranging from murder, arson, robbery, rape, kidnapping, homicide, and destruction of property, among others.

The statement was made after various organizations and lawmakers urged President Benigno Aquino III and his administration to free its political prisoners following the recent release of four jail officers from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology who were declared “Prisoners of War” by communist rebels last July in Bukidnon,

Del Rosario said releasing these arrested members of the communist party will only tolerate criminal acts and show the New People’s Army that they can commit endless heinous crimes and not be held accountable at the end of the deliberation process.

“Having been arrested solely because of their political beliefs is a totally different story from being arrested because of crimes committed against persons and property,” Del Rosario said.