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MANILA, Philippines – The Human Rights Commission (HRC) called members of the military Monday for posing for a photo along with the lifeless body of Jevilyn Cullamat, daughter of Bayan Muna’s representative Eufemia Cullamat, who died after an encounter. between the Philippine Army and the New People’s Army.
In a statement, CDH spokeswoman Atty Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the Commission found the soldiers’ action objectionable, saying “[i]It is cause for concern when government officials treat the death of another Filipino as a victory. “
“Time and time again we have condemned armed conflict because, in the end, no one really wins, especially when it leads to ruined lives and communities. However, in cases where armed atrocities are unavoidable, we trust that all parties involved adhere to international humanitarian law (IHL) to limit the effects of the armed conflict, ”De Guía said in a statement.
The CHR further said it “cannot find a good reason to pose for photos with Jevilyn Cullamat’s lifeless body, along with seized firearms and communist flags.”
A photo of the military standing next to Jevilyn’s remains while holding communist flags was circulated after it was shared with a media group. The image was later removed. Firearms seized after the encounter were also seen in the photo.
Jevilyn’s mother, Representative Cullamat, claimed that the photo did not respect her family and asked the military not to use her daughter’s remains as a trophy for their propaganda.
The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives, of which Representative Cullamat is a member, also condemned the military for their treatment of Jevilyn’s remains.
For his part, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has said that his order to the response units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines was to ensure that Jevilyn’s remains were treated with dignity.
“At the same time, we continue to encourage the government to genuinely respect the human rights of all, at all times and in all places, as it has claimed to do on different national and international platforms. We express our condolences to the family and loved ones that Jevilyn left behind, ”De Guia said.
“The Human Rights Commission will also investigate this case,” he added.
EDV
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