The Philippine Army has provided financial aid to Major Harry Baliaga to help cover his bail bond after he was ordered arrested in connection with the 2007 abduction and involuntary disappearance of peasant-activist Jonas Burgos.
“We can always help him because he is a member [of the Armed Forces of the Philippines]. He can refund the money to us,” Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes said on Sunday.
Baliaga was identified by one of the witnesses during the abduction of Burgos on April 28 by alleged military personnel inside a restaurant at the Ever Gotesco Mall located along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.
Burgos has never been found and the military continued to deny it was behind the abduction.
Coballes said Baliaga continues to work as staff of the office of the Army’s Adjutant General.
“He needs to work. There is what we call presumption of innocence. He has the right to be presumed innocent unless proven guilty by the court,” Coballes said.
The general said he got assurance from Baliaga he would not escape and ready to face and defend himself in trial.
“We told him to post bail so he can prepare his legal defense for trial,” Coballes said, adding the Army will provide legal counsel for Baliaga if he asks for it.
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