Alarmed
over the killings
European NGO
Asks DND for IP Leader’s Protection
The International
Hydropower Association , an international non-government organization
(NGO) based in the United Kingdom, urged the Department of National
Defense (DND) to extend protection to leaders of the Cordillera People’s
Alliance and investigate the threats on their lives.
BY ARTHUR L. ALLAD-IW
Northern Dispatch
Posted by
Bulatlat
BAGUIO CITY (246 kms.
north of Manila)— A letter from the United Kingdom (UK)-based
non-government organization (NGO) International Hydropower Association to
the Department of National Defense (DND) urging protection to leaders of
a militant organization in the Cordillera region has not been acted upon
since last February.
The International
Hydropower Association is an association of organizations and
professionals in 83 countries. It advances hydropower’s role in meeting
the water and energy needs of the world. Founded in 1995 through the
initiative of the UNESCO’s international Hydrological Programme, it aims
to advance knowledge on all aspects of hydropower and to promote its good
practice.
Richard Taylor,
Executive Director of the International Hydropower Association, wrote DND
Secretary Avelino J. Cruz on Feb. 23 to investigate the threats against
Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) chairperson Joan Carling and her
colleagues.
Taylor learned that
Carling received death threats in connection with her activities as the
CPA chairperson.
“I do not know of the
details and substance of these claims, but I know Ms. Carling through her
activities relating to dams and development,” Taylor said in his letter.
“I write to ask your
assistance to look into this situation, and afford Ms. Carling and her
colleagues any necessary protection that you see fit,” he adds.
The DND referred the
letter to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Lt. General
Romeo Tolentino who, in turn, forwarded Mr. Taylor’s request to Supt. Raul
Gonzales, regional director of the Philippine National Police-Cordillera
Autonomous Region (PNP-CAR) on March 17. The PNP-CAR transmitted the
letter to the Baguio City Police Office on March 22.
The PNP-CAR has
conducted an investigation but no updates have yet been released.
Northern Dispatch / Posted by Bulatlat
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