The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is urging both the government and non-state actors to respect the international humanitarian law (IHL), especially in cases where violations are committed in the context of armed conflicts.
CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia issued the statement after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) recently admitted that civilian properties were destroyed or damaged by its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), in the course of several operations.
The CPP, however, claimed that those who have suffered damages were compensated.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through its Human Rights Office, took note of the attacks against civilian properties allegedly perpetrated by the CPP-NPA since 2010.
The CHR has looked into these cases and asserted its independent and impartial position in investigating human rights violations.
International humanitarian law (IHL) covers both state and non-state actors alike, De Guia said. "Victims must also be protected from atrocities perpetrated by rebel forces lest we disregard the spirit of IHL and its relevance, especially for communities most affected by armed atrocities," she said.
While the CHR respects the right and liberty of people to believe in specific ideologies, De Guia said one's freedom to act on these beliefs should be guided by what is lawful and respectful of the rights of others.
"As private individuals and organizations within the Philippines, the CHR calls on the CPP-NPA to adhere to the rule of law by respecting IHL and our domestic statutes in the country, in the same manner that we equally call on the government and its forces to respect our laws and the rights of all," she said.
Even beyond IHL, the CHR is continuously reminding all parties to respect human rights, because it is a universal duty. The government, for its part, should respect, protect, and fulfill the human rights of all, while private individuals have the obligation to respect the rights of others in the exercise of their own rights.
"We reiterate that the Commission condemns all forms of violence and terrorism from any party who seeks nothing but sow fear and disregard human rights. And, at this point, CHR shall continue to be open to both sides - state and non-state parties - in discovering the truth and demanding accountability from the perpetrators of these violations in line with our mandate as an independent national human rights institution," said De Guia.