IDEALS Statement on Masbate incident

“Union leader,” “football player and MVP,” we do our best to encapsulate the identities and known roles of the two innocents killed last 6^th of June, Nolven and Kieth Absalon, in the various articles and news reports we come across. In the hearts of their loved ones, the lives of Kieth and Nolven would always mean far more than their tragic demise. For our national consciousness though, their blood and the enduring suffering of their loved ones ought to be a stark reminder to us: end the killings – end the impunity!

The New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has declared full accountability for the attacks. We dare claim it as an “attack” due to the very reason that the use of landmines, even if it were against fellow armed troops, is against international humanitarian law, and are known to indiscriminately harm and kill armed combatants, along with innocents such as Nolven and Kieth. In addition, the improvised explosive devices (IED) were implanted on a public road, accessible and mainly used by civilians – not by combatants. The NPA, claiming that it is “fighting on behalf of the people,” should be shaken to its very core and go beyond its proclaimed regret, and surrender those responsible among their ranks to our justice system.

As a human rights organization, we are with the Absalon family, other fellow advocates, and the Commission on Human Rights in calling for accountability and reparation. We also support law enforcement agents in its declared desire to protect civilians in conflict-ridden areas. However, we implore armed State agents to stand by their oaths to uphold human rights and dignity of all persons – whether they be armed opponents or ordinary citizens. In the supposed pursuit for justice, human rights and environmental defenders have been red-tagged and killed by State agents.

The untimely demise of Kieth and Nolven Absalon should not be used as a front for hate propaganda by either NPA nor by the State. More urgently, this injustice should not be used to justify State operations that are not backed by proper investigation, planning, and the due diligence expected from our well-funded intelligence units.

We also call on fellow citizens, please be vigilant, critical yet compassionate. Just with a quick online search, we could easily see how this incident is already being used to further sow seeds of fear and hate. We must end this vicious cycle of “othering” – our nation, along with our shared obligation to honor Nolven, Kieth and all the fallen, require us to enact justice and protect our shared humanity on all fronts.