LIGAO CITY --- The 2nd infantry battalion of the Philippine Army based in Bgy. Tula-tula Grande, this city, last week issued a new directive reminding its soldiers to respect the human rights of every citizen, including their enemies.

        This, as 2nd Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Rodrigo T. Gregorio reported that during the past four months, his men’s campaign against the communist guerillas have been gaining “substantial gainway” in the fight against insurgency in the countryside, particularly in the province of Albay. He said that based on gathered reports, the communist movement for sometime has been on a “lie low” status because of the apparent superiority of the government troopers and their having gained the trust and confidence of the people.

        The commanding officer admitted that there had been reports by local mediamen of alleged human rights abuses committed by the military in their operations. “Consequently, even if these allegations were unfounded, the rebel movement used them in their propaganda campaign to discredit the troopers, exaggerating even the smallest incident to gain media mileage,” Gregorio said.

        The directive made it clear to the soldiers that military offensives are directed only against armed enemies of the state. It also emphasized that unarmed civilians, regardless of political or ideological affiliation, religious belief, ethnicity or gender, should be treated with utmost respect for human rights and dignity.

        “A simple use of threatening words, or even a (pitik sa ilong) already constitutes human rights,” the directive stressed.

        The Armymen asked mediamen not to entertain anonymous complaints, especially those sent through text messages as they also welcomed newsmen to freely investigate any incident of military abuse, especially in the barangays.

        The infantry battalion also reminded its men to be more cautious in all their actions.