Army to investigate alleged manipulated photo of NPA surrender

December 28, 2019

The Philippine Army will conduct a probe into alleged manipulated picture of surrender of some reported members of the communist New People's Army, along with their firearms, an official said on Saturday.

“We will investigate this matter and hold whoever is accountable to face the appropriate sanctions,” said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Philippine Army spokesman, in statement.

However, he noted that the 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, the unit concerned, has already explained that in its "ardent desire to release timely information," it failed to double check the pictures attached to the press release in question.

“We at the Philippine Army Headquarters hold our line units in high regard when it comes to the release of information to the media and the public, and their admission to the mistake is proof of their commitment to the high standards of public affairs principles,” he said.

The photo, which went viral after earning negative comments in social media, showed the alleged former rebels standing in front of the firearms they have surrendered in Masbate on December 26 or during the 51st anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Lt. Col. Dennis Seguerra Cana, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) spokesman, admitted that the photo was edited but he insisted that the event where the 306 NPA members and supporters have surrendered, was real.

“Yes, the photo was edited, but the event was real. There was no intent to deceive,” he said.

“My apologies for that mistake. Rest assured that it was just borne out of zealousness to present the event (which really is something to be happy about) and no deception is intended,” he added.

According to Maj. Ricky Anthony Aguilar from Army’s 9th Infantry Division, a total of 49 different firearms and three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were surrendered by the former rebels during the event. Robina Asido/DMS