By CESAR JOLITO III
The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID) has backed the position of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (NTF-ELCAC) legal cooperation cluster on the dismissal of the terrorism financing case filed against Community Empowerment Resource Network Inc. (CERNET), stressing that the court ruling should not be interpreted as an acquittal or declaration of innocence.
In a statement, the military said the dismissal issued by the Regional Trial Court was based solely on procedural or technical grounds and did not clear the organization or its officers of allegations linked to the financing or support of armed groups.
“The fact that the case was dismissed based on technical or procedural matters is entirely different from a ruling that establishes innocence or clears them of suspicion,” the 3ID said.
The division emphasized that terrorism financing remains a serious national security concern and maintained that the government’s campaign against insurgency and terrorism financing would continue.
According to the military, the dismissal does not weaken ongoing efforts to prevent the flow of financial, material and logistical support to groups involved in armed violence and activities that threaten peace and public safety.
The 3ID also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and due process while continuing to support legal actions pursued by the NTF-ELCAC, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the judiciary.
“We will always act within the bounds of the Constitution and Philippine laws, but we will never relent in our duty to protect the people and safeguard the state,” the 3ID added.
The military likewise urged local government units, government agencies and partner institutions to exercise vigilance and conduct thorough background checks when engaging with non-government organizations and people’s organizations.
It warned that public funds, development programs and community projects should not be used as channels for activities that could undermine national security or peace initiatives.
The 3ID assured the public that coordination among the military, police, prosecutors, and courts will continue as part of efforts to maintain peace and security across Western Visayas, Central Visayas and the Negros Island Region.
The division also called on the public to remain alert against groups or individuals allegedly attempting to exploit legal loopholes to avoid accountability.
Civil society groups welcomed the dismissal of the terrorism financing charges against CERNET./CJ, WDJ