PRIVATE complainants formally filed charges against a leader and 15 New People's Army (NPA) members before the Regional Trial Court Branch 25 in Cagayan de Oro City, early Wednesday.

The communist leader identified as North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) secretary Muling Micabalo who was charged with crimes against International Humanitarian Law.

Micabalo also faced charges for genocide, and other crimes against humanity in Bukidnon on December 12, 2015 and May 22, 2020.

“We will not stop until justice is served against these NPA bandits,” said Army’s 4th Infantry Division commander Major General Andres Centino.

Centino said that the filing of IHL cases against the leaders of NPA’s NCMRC is a step closer to bringing the perpetrators to the bar of justice for their inhumane act against the innocent victims.

Through Regional State Prosecutor lawyer  Merlyn Uy and Bukidnon province's public prosecutor Rommel Alonto helped complainants sued the local NPA leadership for violation of Republic Act 9851, or the crimes against IHL.

Identified the other respondents in the IHL case were Lorna Micabalo, wife of Muling, alias Nancy, Juvilito Pontillas alias CJ, alias Tiga, alias Juvy, Almer Calacar @ Niko, alias Ka Yaya alias LJ, Vicente Pontillas Jr alias Bryan, Vicenta Pontillas Sr alias Ka Mulo Warwe del Rosario alias Ka Agbon alias Janin.

Others were Virgilio Canoy alias Bilyong, Reynaldo Libres alias Ariel, Bernie Hinatapa alias Dodong Binao, Richard Libres, Dahulo Ortiz alias John, Lorena Micabalo alias Jay Jay, Rosalie Omandam alias RT, Jonald Saludar alias Sam, and Emie Santa Ana Y Menente alias Morning alias Arabu.

"All of them were still at large," said Alonto adding that they are even preparing more cases against the NPA fighters accused of violating the IHL.

Alonto even said that on May 22, 2020, at San Fernando town in Bukidnon some of the above-names accused, conspiring one another and deliberately attacking and shooting to death one Jerson blanza, and attempting to kill 5 others. 

If proven guilty, the accused NPA personalities are facing 20 years in jail or possible life imprisonment, said Alonto

4ID public affairs chief Major Rodulfo Cordero said the case was in connection with the attack and burning down of a sugarcane plantation carried out by the NPA fighters in Sitios Mapait, New Eden, Pangantucan town on December 12, 2015.

“The 403rd Brigade is there to assist our private complainants. We cannot divulge their (complainants) identities for their safety,” said Cordero.

403rd Brigade Commander Colonel Ferdinand Barandon said the NPA, as a party to the armed conflict, must comply with the IHL, which is the protection of civilian lives and properties. 

“NPA must not violate the IHL. Everything they do must be in compliance with the IHL,” Barandon said to reporters during a press conference right after submitting to the court the prosecutor’s resolution.

Barandon said the Army official said the filing of the case was just the first as the military has also compiled reports on the NPA’s alleged IHL violations in the past few months.

Including the destruction of private properties and farm equipment and vehicles in Bukidnon and other areas, according to Barandon. 

“We showed photos to victims and they identified the assailants,” said Barandon.

Barandon added that the military expected a possible increase of surrenderees from the NPA and its supporters after the case was being filed. (Ben Balce)