IBP-DAVAO CITY CONDEMNS MILITARY’S

“ORDER OF BATTLE”

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Davao City Chapter

joins the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), the Union
of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM), and the
National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) in strongly
condemning the the inclusion of its members as well as
members of other lawful and legitimate groups and
organizations, law-abiding and dutiful citizens in the so-
called “Order of Battle” produced by the JCICC Agila 3rd
Qtr 2007 OB Validation Result of the 10th Infantry
Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The “Order of Battle” is nothing but a hitlist used by the

military to those it identifies and brands as “enemies of the
state”. This makes them prosecutor, judge and
executioner all at the same time. The use of the “order of
battle” is unconstitutional and repugnant to the Rule of
Law and the democratic processes. What is the basis of the
military of having them in the “order of battle”? How
could the military win the hearts and minds of the people
in its war on insurgency when the military does not have a
mind and heart. It is a clear indication of the military’s
utter disregard for the human rights of the people included
in the list. Not only does the list endangers the lives of
these identified individuals but likewise the peace and
sanctity of their respective family --- which they are
entitled to enjoy under our Constitution.

Lawyers Carlos Isagani Zarate, Angela Librado-Trinidad,

Lilibeth Ladaga, Noreen Minette Manatad and Benjamin
de Guzman are members of the Davao City Chapter, while
Beverly Musni is a member of the Misamis Oriental
Chapter. They are members of good standing of the IBP.
Attys. Zarate and De Guzman are former presidents of the
Davao City Chapter. Atty Librado-Trinidad is a current
councilor of the 1st District of Davao City. It is but
reckless, irresponsible and stupid that these lawyers be
included in the said “order of battle”. The 10th ID of the
AFP should be held accountable of making such a list.

The inclusion of these lawyers in the “order of battle”

shows the stark ignorance of the military of the duties and
responsibilities of lawyers. Lawyers have taken a solemn
oath ‘not to delay any man’s cause for money or malice’
and ‘to conduct himself as a lawyer to the best of his
knowledge and discretion with all good fidelity’. These
lawyers therefore have been true to the letter and spirit of
their responsibilities as members of the Philippine Bar in
defending not only victims of crimes and the innocent but
rather to all those entitled to defend themselves – a right
guaranteed by no less the Constitution.

With their inclusion, they become now vulnerable and an

easy target to the unintelligent military. With all the
unsolved extra-judicial killings in the country perpetrated
by the military, God forbids, they are not far behind.

We now call on the Armed Forces of the Phils. and the

Department of National Defense to put a stop to this
policy. We are not under Martial Law. Dissent as part of
the freedom of speech and expression are guaranteed by
the Constitution. Criticizing this government and its
excesses is a duty of citizenship. The use of the “order of
battle” must be stopped.
Finally, the IBP-Davao City Chapter also fully supports
legal moves to be undertaken by our colleagues in the
defense of their rights and those of others unjustly vilified
by the said “order of battle.”

Reference:

ATTY. SOCORRO T. ERMAC-CABREROS

Chapter President
Tel. No. 296-0070; 303-1040

ATTY. MARTIN DELGRA

Public Relations Officer
Tel No. 296-2269

ATTY. MANUEL P. QUIBOD

Immediate Past President
Tel No. 227-7460