The umbrella group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan slammed Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro for putting ahead presidential ambition over more pressing issues such as the gross human rights abuses of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.“Instead of announcing his intentions for 2010, Mr. Teodoro should be working hard to find the perpetrators of the murders of teacher Rebelyn Pitao and environmentalist Boy Billanes, both from Mindanao. We are angered that politicking is being put ahead of more pressing issues such as human rights abuses of the AFP,” said Bayan secretary general Renato M. Reyes, Jr.
Pitao was the 20 year old daughter of New People’s Army commander Leoncio Pitao. Billanes on the other hand was chairman of a provincial affiliate of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan in South Cotabato. The military is believed to be involved in both incidents that happened days apart.
“Mr. Teodoro has nary a comment on the recent killings. He has instead floated a trial balloon for his electoral bid, to the wild cheers of Malacanang. With the Palace always in denial and with the DND secretary focused on politics, is it any wonder why human rights abuses persist?” Reyes said.
“The families of the victims have been fighting for justice, yet what has Teodoro done to address the abuses?” the Bayan leader said.
Reyes said that now that Teodoro has announced his bid for president, it would be even more difficult for him to make accountable erring military officials.
“Now that he plans to run for president, Mr. Teodoro will not risk antagonizing the military establishment. He would want to have the support of the military when he runs for office, the same way Arroyo wanted the support of the military in 2004. How then can we expect him to make his generals accountable for their abuses?” Reyes said.
“Mr. Teodoro’s inaction over the human rights abuses is no different from the Ombudsman’s inaction over cases of corruption. They become both responsible for the perpetuation of these ills,” Reyes added.
Bayan also slammed Teodoro’s claim that he plans to use “hard and soft” power to secure peace for the country.
“ Mr. Teodoro should just speak the plain and obvious truth that all-out war has always been the main thrust of this regime. That’s why there are hundreds of victims of killings and disappearances,” Reyes said.###
