Army in Davao slams human rights group for ‘torture’ claim

DAVAO CITY: The Philippine Army’s 71st Infantry battalion has debunked the allegation of a militant human rights group that two individuals who were suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were tortured and burned.

Lt. Col. Esteveyn Ducusin, commander of the Army’s 71st battalion, said no trooper would do such heinous acts as these were contrary to the mandate of the military to serve and protect the people, adding that state troops strictly adhere to the Anti-Torture Law of 2009.