The Commission on Human Rights condemns in the strongest terms the alleged cases of sexual abuse committed against minor girls by reported members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Kananga, Leyte.

On 13 September 2020, two 14-year-old girls were reportedly rescued by the 93rd Infantry Battalion from the armed group’s camp where it was said that they were sexually abused and forced to take oral contraceptive pills allegedly by the said rebels.

We strongly denounce the use of sexual violence as a widespread and systematic tactic of war. The Commission underscores that in armed situations characterised by violence, brutality, and coercion, perpetrators can operate with even greater impunity.

Sexual slavery and recruitment of child soldiers, among others, are forms of human trafficking. These horrendous acts towards vulnerable individuals allegedly being practiced by rebel forces are not just employed to spread fear and gain victims, but to use them as incentives to recruit new fighters.

Civilians, most especially the vulnerable population, including women and children, are equally protected under international humanitarian law. Respect for the human rights and dignity even in times of armed conflict is a mutual obligation of both State and non-State parties.

We call on the government to provide redress for the victims including multi-sectoral assistance for health, psycho-social support, and reintegration in their communities. They require rehabilitation and special attention after their demobilisation from the camp.

Most importantly, we urge the authorities to conduct swift investigation on the case to further find out the truth behind these accounts and ensure that offenders will immediately be held to account. The Commission for its part will launch an independent probe to shed light on the issue. ###