Injured in Grenade Throwing reached to 47 civilians, 13 minors

Camp Panacan, Davao City - The 10^th Infantry Division vehemently condemns the act of the Organized Crime Group – New People’s Army in involving civilians during the incident by means of sowing fear among the populace who are now leaving normal lives and enjoying the celebration of their upcoming Barangay fiesta thus, endanger the lives of individuals. Again, they have shown their true nature as cold-blooded criminals who care less even if they endanger civilian populace. 

Three days after the incident, civilians injured reportedly reached its toll to 47 where the youngest victim is two years old. “Someone should be held responsible and should be penalized on these continuous wanton violations committed by the criminal group (NPA)”, 10^th Infantry Division Spokesperson Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza said.

He cited Part 4, Article 4, Paragraph 4 of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) which clearly mandates that “civilian population shall be treated as such and shall be distinguished from combatants and, together with their property, shall not be the object of attack”.

He further added that there were 13 minors who were also wounded in said incident who were only enjoying the festivity but ended up in the hospital due to different injuries suffered from the grenade blast. “This also violates the rights of children as stipulated in Republic Act 7610”, he said.

Under R.A. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, Article 10, Section 2 mandates that “children shall not be the object of attack and shall be entitled to special respect….they shall be protected from any form of threat, assault, torture or other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment..”.

“Human rights watchdogs seems to have been passive whenever these atrocities happen perpetrated by the criminal group New People’s Army”, Paniza said.