Women rights group decry rape by “men in uniform,” scores use of rape under Oplan Bayanihan
Karapatan.org

On the first day of March as the internationally known Women’s Month, women’s rights group Tanggol Bayi scored the reported rape cases against two women in the provinces of Masbate and Rizal by elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as “an indication of the continuing and brazen impunity perpetrated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).”

Cristina Palabay, Tanggol Bayi spokesperson, said these cases and forms of violations speak volumes on the use of rape as a form of torture and subjugation, among the human rights violations, perpetrated under Oplan Bantay Laya, the counter-insurgency program of the previous Arroyo government, and now under Oplan Bayanihan of the Aquino administration.

“Seemingly, these counter-insurgency programs stand on the principles of ‘human rights’ and ‘peace and development’ but the military operations on the ground belie the real purpose and nature behind these lofty words. Oplan Bayanihan, as Oplan Bantay Laya, merely means the increasing terror and violence experienced by the people, including women,” she stated.

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