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AFP denies involvement in ex-Karapatan exec's disappearance

By Che Palicte

November 10, 2019, 5:43 pm

DAVAO CITY -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) 10th Infantry Division (10ID) on Saturday denied any involvement in the disappearance of Honey Mae Suazo, former secretary-general of Karapatan Southern Mindanao Region (SMR).

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the 10ID, said linking the military to the disappearance of Suazo is another allegation that has been hurled by Karapatan against them.

According to Karapatan SMR, Suazo was last seen on Nov. 2 visiting her relatives' grave during the All Soul's Day in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

The rights group linked the incident to the intensifying crackdown on activists and Suazo's past experience of harassment and alleged red-tagging by state forces.

“Time and time again, this group continuously links the AFP to all incidents that they can think of to discredit the government,” he said.

Lamosao challenged Karapatan to prove their allegation in court as a group, adding that they are now losing the respect of the masses.

Suazo left Karapatan almost two years ago. She previously complained of harassment and surveillance by alleged members of the military when she was still active in the group.

The said charges had been dismissed by the Department of Justice in 2016. (PNA)

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