Army battalion pulled out to appease tribal leaders

From Malaya (Nov 6): Army battalion pulled out to appease tribal leaders

AN Army battalion has been pulled out from Kiblawan town in Davao del Sur after figuring in a clash with a group of bandits last Oct. 18 that left a mother and two children dead. Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said the pullout of the 27th Infantry Battalion was the result of a dialogue they had with tribal leaders after the incident. “They (tribal leaders) said they want justice. They do not want the military to leave the area, they just want it (the 27th IB) replaced,” said Bernardo. The pull-out was effected last Nov. 1, a day after the dialogue with the leaders of the B’laan tribe to which the victims belong, said 10th ID spokesman Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza. “It’s to help the tribal leaders forget the incident even if Lt. Jimenez is already out. It’s for the benefit of all,” Paniza said referring to 1Lt. Dante Jimenez who had been recommended by military investigators to face court martial for lapses in the operation....

http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/16938-army-battalion-pulled-out-to-appease-tribal-leaders