COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Human Rights Commission of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BHRC-BARMM) on April 25 condemned the ongoing firefight between two armed groups in the three barangays of the Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao del Sur.
The Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division reported that armed clashes between two armed groups of 105th and 118th Base Commands , BIAF-MILF started on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at about 6:55 in the afternoon.
The conflict between these two MILF commands forced the civilians to evacuate while observing their fast in the holy month of Ramadan.
“The Local officials reported that more or less 3,200 evacuees got displaced by the hostilities and proceeded to the nearest evacuation center in Barangays Elian, Madia, and Dapiawan all of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur,” Brigadier General Oriel Pangcog the Commander of 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade said.
Pangcog added that at least 16 houses were set on fire allegedly by one of two armed groups involved.
“We strongly appeal to both parties to immediately cease their firefight and prevent further hostilities, as it has already resulted in the displacement of approximately 2,300 families, as reported, and it is the civilians who are the most vulnerable and innocent victims of this situation,” the BHRC said in a statement.
The BHRC emphasized that under Republic Act No. 9851, otherwise known as the “Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity,” civilians must be protected from the effects of hostilities, and that attacks against them, their property, or other objects indispensable to their survival are prohibited.
“Hence, both armed groups may be held criminally liable for violations of this law,” the BHRC said.
The BHRC added that parties to a conflict are required to respect and protect the human rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), including their right to life, property, and physical and mental integrity.
The BHRC also said that authorities are obliged to ensure that the IDPs have access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical care. “Therefore, it is for these reasons that we also urge the authorities to safeguard the human rights of the evacuees and ensure their well-being in the evacuation centers,” the BHRC said.
The BHRC also added that the warring factions, as Muslims, both armed groups should adhere to the teachings of Islam, which promotes peace, compassion, and respect for human rights.
“The BHRC reminds them that the recent conclusion of the Month of Ramadan highlights the importance of unity, brotherhood, and peaceful coexistence,” the BHRC said.
The BHRC also calls on these armed groups to respect the peace process and adhere to the leadership of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Government.
The BHRC also calls on the BARMM leadership to take proactive measures to stop this conflict between these armed groups.
“We urge the Bangsamoro Government to assert its political will and influence to lead in stopping these conflicts between Moro to Moro, Muslim to Muslim, kin to kin, blood to blood, and brother to brother,” the BHRC said.
“We strongly call for an immediate end to the ongoing firefight between these two (2) armed groups. We appeal to both sides to unite for the sake of the human rights of the people, to respect the peace process, and to uphold civilian protection. We will continue to monitor this situation to ensure that no human rights violation is committed,” the BHRC added.
