The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned the “use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by members of the New People's Army (NPA)” during a clash with soldiers of the 2nd Infantry battalion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Masbate last March 22.
"This violent act goes directly against the very principles of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). We further note that according to news reports, the IED was detonated near a public elementary school in Barangay Locso-on, leaving two soldiers and a minor injured," the CHR said in a statement.
The CHR said that schools are zones of peace and must be free from the presence of armed combatants at all times.
Earlier, the United Nations’ Human Rights Council (UN HRC) had said “the continued use by New People’s Army of mines and improvised explosive devices that kill and maim civilians in wanton violation of IHL is unacceptable.”
The IHL “is a set of rules to limit the effects of armed conflict and protect civilians who are not participating in the hostilities, and restricts the means and methods of warfare.”
Citing the IHL, the CHR reminded both state and non-state combatants that they are duty-bound to ensure that armed conflicts are never excessive or disproportionate to their objectives.
"CHR also continues to stress that no ideology can justify the endangerment of the right to life, liberty, and security of the Filipino people," it stressed.
"We have always called for the end of armed conflict and the grave consequences it imposes upon those involved and those affected. Time and again, we have witnessed the harrowing impacts and violations to the fundamental human rights and dignity these encounters bring to society," it said.
As the country’s independent national human rights institution, the CHR said its office in Region V has already met with local agencies such as the Regional Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Philippine National Police to provide assistance to students, teachers, and other school employees who were traumatized by the incident.
It echoed the statement of United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that "there is no military solution to any conflict" as it pointed out that “only transparency, cooperation, and genuine understanding can truly build lasting solutions to armed conflict.”