Published July 24, 2021, 10:52 AM
Commission-on-Human-Rights
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned the reported burning of several privately-owned heavy equipment allegedly by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Claver, Surigao del Norte last July 15.
In a statement, the CHR pointed out that vandalizing and destroying civilian property, since they are not party of armed conflict, are violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL).
It stressed that Republic Act No. 9851 defines and penalizes crimes against IHL and other crimes against humanity.
Spokesperson and lawyer Jacqueline Ann de Guia said that RA 9851 considers it as “serious violation of the law” when there are intentionally directed attacks against “civilian objects, that is, objects which are not military objectives.”