MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army has denied allegations that a captured rebel from the New People’s Army (NPA) was abused while in military custody following a recent encounter in Occidental Mindoro.
Military officials said the captured insurgent was treated properly and that troops strictly followed protocols on the handling of detainees and respect for human rights. The Army issued the clarification after allegations circulated claiming that the rebel had been mistreated after being taken into custody.
According to the military, the suspect was apprehended after government troops clashed with suspected communist rebels in the province. Authorities said the individual was later brought to a military facility where he was given medical attention and processed according to standard procedures.
Army officials also released photos of the captured rebel to counter accusations of abuse, saying the images showed that the detainee did not suffer injuries from alleged maltreatment while under military control.
The military stressed that its personnel are trained to observe international humanitarian law and the rights of prisoners during operations and after arrests.
Security forces have been conducting sustained operations in parts of Mindoro to dismantle remaining guerrilla groups believed to be linked to the communist insurgency.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has repeatedly urged remaining rebels to surrender and take advantage of government programs designed to help former insurgents reintegrate into society.