Philippine Military Justifies Shoot-To-Kill Mutineers

The Philippine military justified its "shoot-to-kill" order in case of violent resistance against the four escaping mutineers who participated in a failed coup attempt in 2003. Deputy chief of public information office of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Earl Evan Pabalan said that under the military's rule of engagement, troops are authorized to open fire against any person if they are fired upon. The "shoot-to-kill" order meant "the implementation of a standing order to arrest the four officers when sighted, arrest them at all cause," Pabalan told reporters."If they resist arrest and if ever there are indications of them inflicting undue harm, that would be the time when they would be fired upon," he added. AFP Northern Luzon Command chief Romeo Tolentino said that he has ordered all units under his command to open fire at the mutineers. The four escaping officers were among those who staged a short- lived mutiny against president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2003 and demanded the resignation of Arroyo for allegedly abetting corruption in the military.