AFP to discuss RPA violation with GRP

By Maricar M. Calubiran
Correspondent

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will bring to the attention of the national working committee on Peace Process the recent violation committed by the Revolutionary Proletariat Army (RPA) in the peace agreement they have forged with the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP).

AFP spokesperson Maj. Lyndon Sollesta said they will report the violation committed by the group of Demetrio Capilastique alias Ka Hugo to the national officials. Last week, the RPA liquidation squad shot dead two members of the Civilian Volunteers Organization (CVO) at Sitio Sumandig, Barangay Calmay, Janiuay. The fatalities were identified as Ludovico Madrido and Joel Laurenia. They succumbed fatal gunshot wounds on the different parts of their bodies.

The victims allegedly tried to prevent the armed rebels to arrest Edwin Naso-naso, a resident of the same barangay. This was denied by the witnesses. Naso-naso is facing charges of rape, murder and illegal possession of firearm. The rebels claimed they were armed with a photo copy of warrant of arrest issued by the court against Naso-naso.

Sollesta explained that the RPA do not have the police power to implement and effect warrants of arrest. As part of the confidence building measures embodied in the peace agreement, the break away rebel group will only provide information about the NPA's movement and will cease from cooperating with the NPA in exchange of livelihood. The army does not even have police powers unless deputized.

The RPA could not also assert “citizen's arrest” as their lame excuses to effect the warrant of arrest against Naso-naso. Citizens arrest could be effected when the crime is about to be committed, the crime is being committed and the crime has just been committed. They are not even law enforcers, said Sollesta.

Sollesta added that the rebels are only allowed to carry their firearms only in “RPA controlled areas.” This is only to protect themselves from their enemies. “However, there is a clear guideline that they (RPA) should not blatantly display their firearms.” In the entire Visayas, area, there are only 100 RPA's who are allowed to carry firearms. The army is not even privy on who is allowed to bring their guns.

He added that the police should press appropriate charges against the members of the RPA who killed the two CVO. “They don't have “immunity”. The immunity only holds through on the crimes of rebellion and that is the reason why they were given safe conduct passes.”

Sollesta could not ascertain whether the recent killings involving the RPA will affect the ongoing peace talk between the government and the rebel break away group. The government forged a peace pact with the break away rebel group of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army during the time of ousted President Joseph Estrada. The RPA is concentrated in Visayas area. The group was then led by Arturo Tabara.

The army spokesperson added that they are now in the process of confidence building measures, a second phase on the implementation of the peace process. The first was the secessionist of hostilities and third the disposition of firearms and personnel. It is not yet clear on whether the rebels will lay down their arms and be integrated in the army. There are gray areas in the peace agreement that should be addressed.