The Philippine operations of Geneva Call (GC), an international non-governmental organization (INGO) based in Switzerland, which is working to eliminate the use of anti-personnel mines in conflict areas across the world by Non-State Actors (NSAs), is facing opposition from the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines (PCBL).

PCBL coordinator Solaiman “Sol” Santos relayed to the Manila Bulletin his group’s sentiments against GC.

GC officials Chris Rush and Katherine Kramer, in-charge for Asia, were in the Philippines in the second week of December. They met with MILF leaders in Maguindanao, apparently concerning GC’s investigation of government allegations that the MILF used landmines in the 2008 and 2009 conflicts.

GC is engaging armed NSAs to comply with human rights law (HRL) and international human rights law (IHRL).

From November 17 to 26, Rush headed a GC-led Verification Team (TM) to Mindanao and investigated government accusations that the MILF breached its adherence to the “Deed of Commitments for Adherence to a Total Ban on Anti-Personnel Mines and Cooperation in Mine Action.”

The Philippine government and the MILF approved of and facilitated GC’s investigations. Results have not yet been revealed.

Moro rebel leaders have repeatedly denied the allegations.
The MILF signed the anti-landmine pact in 2000 and re-affirmed in 2002.

Eid Kabalu, MILF Civil-Military Affairs chief, said his group is faithful to the agreement with GC, known in Swiss as Appel de Geneve.

“The MILF is adhering to its commitment. Our forces did not use landmines as alleged by the government,” said Kabalu.

Santos in an email accused GC of practicing “neo-colonialism” in its operations in the Philippines.

“Let me say at the outset that I represent the (PCBL) which opposes the operations of Geneva Call in the Philippines,” the PCBL coordinator said.

PCBL had earlier sent out an Open Letter in Pilipino, detailing why it is against GC’s presence in the country.

“We are writing to you as a friend and countryman to warn you about an international NGO ‘Geneva Call’ which is currently intensifying its neo-colonial activity within the Philippines,” said the PCBL.