📸 A photograph published by the CPP allegedly shows Bohol-based NPA leader Domingo Compoc in military custody moments before his execution, alongside University of the Philippines law graduate Hanna Cesista and three others.
As the Philippines hosts the Asia Pacific Regional Conference on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), underground revolutionary publication *Ang Bayan* has released a scathing report accusing the Marcos Jr. administration of grave violations of the very principles the conference seeks to uphold.
The four-day IHL conference, which began August 11 in Makati City, brings together over 120 delegates from more than 30 countries. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has touted the event as a testament to the Philippines’ “strong and enduring legacy of championing IHL.”
But Ang Bayan’s special IHL Day report paints a starkly different picture. It alleges that from July 2022 to July 2025, the Philippine government and its armed forces have committed multiple war crimes, including the extrajudicial killings of 78 individuals—among them New People’s Army (NPA) fighters, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) members, and six National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultants.
Key Allegations in the Report:
– Extrajudicial Killings: Six NDFP consultants—Concha Araneta-Bocala, Benito Tiamzon, Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, Ariel Arbitrario, Rogelio Posadas, and Ericson Acosta—were reportedly murdered despite their involvement in formal peace talks held in Europe between 2016 and 2017.
– Abductions and Disappearances: Six individuals were allegedly abducted and disappeared, while 13 others were captured and held in secret locations.
– Violations Against Women and Children: The report claims three pregnant women and two nursing mothers, along with their infants, were abducted and used as leverage to force the surrender of their partners.
– Torture and Summary Executions: Among the most harrowing cases cited is that of Romeo Nanta, known as Ka Juanito Magbanua, who was allegedly captured alive, tortured, and executed.
– Desecration of Remains: The publication accuses state forces of desecrating the bodies of slain individuals, further violating IHL norms.
– Inhumane Detention: Fifteen NDFP peace consultants are currently imprisoned, with Ang Bayan reporting poor conditions and mistreatment.
The report also criticizes the continuation of counterinsurgency programs such as Duterte’s Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) “Kapayapaan” and Marcos Jr.’s Peace, Law Enforcement, Development Support (PLEDS) “Pagkakaisa.” These initiatives, it claims, place civilian communities under military control, leading to widespread rights violations.
Ang Bayan dismissed Marcos Jr.’s claims of improved human rights and peace in rural areas, calling them “absolutely false” and incompatible with the realities on the ground.
As the international community gathers to discuss humanitarian law, the publication urges scrutiny of the Philippine government’s actions, warning that its role as host undermines the credibility of the conference itself. (ROSE NOVENARIO)
