Cafgus hiring in mining sites won’t lead to human rights violations — AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday assured the public that the planned employment of special Cafgus within mining sites in Surigao del Norte, which lost more than P2 billion in properties during an attack staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) early this month, will not lead to more human rights violations.

At a press briefing, AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. downplayed fears expressed by the advocacy group Amnesty International (AI) which urged the Aquino administration to rescind plans to deploy military-trained Special Cafgu Armed Auxiliaries (Scaa) to the mining sites.

“As far as the AFP is concerned, human rights violations have never been tolerated in our ranks. We have given emphasis in protection and promotion of human rights in all aspects of our security operations,” Burgos said.

“We believe (this will not lead to human rights violation) that’s why we have enlisted personnel attached to them…we will punish those who commit mistake…we will make sure that this (promotion of human rights) will be part of training of Scaa…it would involve heavily on protection of human rights,” Burgos added.

Burgos cited the AFP’s internal peace and security plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” which calls for protection and promotion of human rights in all aspects of military operation.

Instead, Burgos said the employment of Scaa could enhance security measures in the areas and could serve as deterrent to attacks from anti-government forces like the NPA, similar to the atrocities against the Taganito Mining Company, its sister firm THPAL Mining Corp., and the Platinum Metal Group Corp. in Claver town last October 4.

“This will enhance security measures in the area (because) these (Scaa members) are coming from the area,” Burgos said.

Earlier, two of the mining firms attacked by the NPAs requested the military for the employment of Scaa to their sites to prevent similar atrocities that led to the destruction of more than P2 billion in mining equipment and other valuables.

In employing Scaa, the military will be in-charged of the training of the Scaa members while the private company would provide for their uniform and firearms. A military enlisted personnel will be tapped as unit head to provide supervision to the civilian volunteers.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr. earlier branded the possible employment of the Scaa in Surigao del Norte as force multiplier that could really help maintain peace and security in the area. Mario J. Mallari, Daily Tribune