The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) called out Monday the military for posing with the lifeless body of Jevilyn Cullamat as an apparent display of victory against the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) they encountered in Surigao del Sur.
CHR spokesperson and lawyer Jaqueline de Guia issued the statement after a photo of special forces holding seized communist and NPA flags, standing behind the body of Jevilyn Cullamat, was released by the military. The photo also showed five high-powered firearms in the clash, including one M653 5.56 caliber rifle, three AK-47 rifles, and one M14 rifle. The military also seized Five backpacks with “war material and subversive documents” inside.
“It is a cause for concern when representatives of the government treat the death of another Filipino as a victory. Time and again, we have condemned armed conflict because, in the end, nobody really wins, especially when it leads to ruined lives and communities,” the CHR said.
“However, in instances when armed atrocities are inevitable, we trust that all involved parties adhere to international humanitarian law (IHL) in limiting the effects of armed conflict. We cannot find good reason in posing for photos with the lifeless body of Jevilyn Cullamat, alongside seized firearms and communist flags,” CHR added.
CHR calls out military for posing with Jevilyn Cullamat’s remains
The CHR also reminded the military to comply with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s order to assist in the transport of Jevilyn Cullamat’s remains and ensure that she is “treated with dignity.”
“At the same time, we continue to encourage the government to genuinely respect the human rights of all—at all times, in all places—as it has claimed to do so in different domestic and international platforms,” the CHR pointed out.
CHR also extended condolences to the family of Cullamat and assured them that the CHR would probe her death.
Nine former rebels identified and confirmed that Cullamat died during a 45-minute encounter in Barangay San Isidro in Marihatag, Surigao Del Sur, special forces’ data said.
Reports said Jevilyn served as NPA’s medic and allegedly belonged to the Communist NPA Terrorist’s Sandatahang Yuniy Pampropaganda Platoon of the Guerilla Front 19, Northeastern Regional Committee (NEMRC).