Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat denounced the aerial bombing directed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Miag-ao, Iloilo Province which reportedly killed at least 8 persons.
"Nakakakilabot ang ginawang pambobomba ng militar sa komunidad ng Miag-ao, Iloilo noong umaga ng Disyembre 1. Ang mga aerial bombings ay labag sa International Humanitarian Law at ayon sa ulat ay nag-iwan ito ng crater na may lalim na 15 feet at may 20 feet na lapad at ang isa ay may lalim na 3 feet na may 10 feet na lapad (The military bombing in the community of Miag-ao, Iloilo in the morning of December is terrifying. The aerial bombings are against the International Humanitarian Law and according to reports it left a crater that is 15 feet deep and 20 feet wide while another was 3 feet deep and 10 feet wide)," Cullamat said.
The Makabayan bloc congresswoman added that the aerial bombings not only destroyed the livelihood and farm lands of the people but it will also affect their mental health and bring severe trauma to the residents of Miag-ao.
"Malaki ang epekto nitong ginawa ng AFP sa kabuhayan, sakahan at lalo na kapanatagan ng isip ng mga tao. Lilikha ito ng matinding trauma at hindi basta't mabubura sa mga isipan sapagkat terror ang iniwan nila sa mga taga-Miag-ao (What the AFP did will have a huge effect on the livelihood, farm lands and peace of mind of the people. This will create a severe trauma which will not be erased in their mind because they have brought terror to the people living in Miag-ao)," added Cullamat.
The said incident according to the Lumad solon warrants an immediate independent investigation from the Lower House.
"Hustisya ang kailangan ng mga komunidad at biktima ng karumal-dumal na bombing. Palayasin ang militar sa kanayunan (Justice is what the communities and victims affected by this horrible bombing needs. The military must be banished from the villages)," Cullamat stressed.