MANILA – New People’s Army (NPA) leader Leoncio “Kumander Parago” Pitao was not killed in an encounter as what the military claims.
According to the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional (SMR) Command, Parago was being treated for diabetes, hyperthyroidism and hepatitis when soldiers of the 6th Scout Ranger Company, 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion peppered him with bullets on June 28 at around 2:30 p.m. in barangay Panalum, Paquibato district, Davao City.
Pitao’s companion, Vanessa “Ka Kyle” Limpag, who was nursing Pitao had already raised her hands, shouting that she was a medic, when soldiers shot her dead.
Rigoberto F. Sanchez, spokesperson of the NPA-SMR Command, said in an emailed statement, “The Philippine Army must be very proud and happy to have killed a very sick man and an unarmed medic.” Sanchez lambasted the military for “having no regard at all with the rules of engagement under the protocols of war as specified in the Geneva Convention and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).”
Under the international humanitarian law (IHL), attacking persons who are hors de combat is prohibited. Hors de combat refers to anyone who is in the power of an adverse party; anyone who is defenseless because of unconsciousness, shipwreck, wounds or sickness; or, anyone who clearly expresses an intention to surrender.
The IHL also provides protection for medical personnel. Article 25 of the 1949 Geneva Convention I states,”Members of the armed forces specially trained for employment, should the need arise, as hospital orderlies, nurses or auxiliary stretcher-bearers, in the search for or the collection, transport or treatment of the wounded and sick shall likewise be respected and protected if they are carrying out these duties at the time when they come into contact with the enemy or fall into his hands.”
The principles and standards of international humanitarian law are upheld by CARHRIHL, which was signed by the Government.
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