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| The video shows members of the military torturing civilians who were hogtied and blindfolded. (Video grabs by Bulatlat.com) |
After watching the video, which was widely circulated on Facebook, many expressed shock and outrage, denouncing the Armed Forces of the Philippines as human-rights violators, while others simply commented how difficult it is to look at the video and not cry with anger.
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com
MANILA — A week ago, a video showing members of the military torturing what appeared to be civilians hogtied and blindfolded shocked the Facebook community in the Philippines. Four civilians were shown curled in fetal position on open, grassy ground strewn with coconut husks.
Lasting one minute and 53 seconds, the video showed soldiers in full uniform and bearing long firearms alternately kicking and stomping on the civilians’ abdomens and backs as they lay curled on the ground. The civilians could be heard moaning as blows landed on their bodies and the soldiers cursed at them. One of the civilians was hauled upright, and perhaps because of the pain he suffered from the blows, was unable to stand up straight. His inability to obey the soldier’s exhortations that he stand up prompted the soldiers to punch him repeatedly.
