The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is looking into the attack reportedly committed by members of the Abu Sayyaf that killed three soldiers in Al-Barka, Basilan on Sept. 15.
“The Commission continues to strongly denounce any arbitrary attack that brazenly violates the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and tramples on the right to life. In the context of armed hostilities, disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force is prohibited under IHL,” CHR executive director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said.
“Belligerent armed groups and rogue elements committing human rights abuses must be pursued and held accountable to ensure justice and to uphold the rule of law,” De Guia said.
“We express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the fallen soldiers as we continue to call for durable solutions that will put to end the cycle of senseless violence and acts of terror in conflict-ridden areas in Mindanao,” she stressed.
Sic armed men reportedly attacked the soldiers who were on their way to a hill to replace comrades manning an army detachment of the 18th Infantry Battalion last Sept. 15.
