In a news conference late Monday after delivering his annual state of the nation address, Mr Duterte condemned the insurgents for destroying bridges and torching schools in the countryside. I'll have those bombed, including your structures,'' Mr Duterte said then. The non-governmental Save Our Schools Network has tallied at least 68 military attacks affecting 89 Lumad schools since last July. Human Rights Watch and Manila-based activists said that by calling for an attack on schools, Mr Duterte is directing the military to commit war crimes. Conde urged Mr Duterte to sign the 2015 Safe Schools Declaration, which commits governments to supporting the protection of students, teachers and schools in times of armed conflict.

Source: Bangkok Post July 28, 2017 05:03 UTC