Sunday, October 27, 2013

Army to help Baliaga prepare defense in Burgos kidnapping case

From GMA News (Oct 27): Army to help Baliaga prepare defense in Burgos kidnapping case

Officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are prepared to help Maj. Harry Baliaga, who will be arraigned on Nov. 12 on charges in connection with the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos in 2007, a top Army officer said Sunday.

Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes of the Army said on Sunday that Baliaga will receive help in preparing his defense because he is a member of the Army and presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

“Lahat naman ito [accusations] may presumption of innocence di ba, unless proven guilty... we presume na hindi siya guilty unless proven by court,” he said.

The Army is also prepared to reimburse Baliaga's bail money amounting to P40,000, which he posted on Oct. 25 to gain temporary liberty.

The bail was posted to the Quezon City court that ordered Baliaga's arrest last Oct. 21, after finding probable cause against the army officer.

“Talagang sinasabihan naming magpost ng bail, 'yung suko, baka mamali naman kayo...hindi nagtatago yung mama... Everybody who is accused and not yet guilty sa korte can post bail,” said Coballes

"[Ang] tinutulong namin sa kanya is for him to make his proper defense kung ano yung pwede niyang gawin... pwede namin syang i-guide kung anong pwedeng maganda, but the rest will come from him," he added.

The Army chief also said that Baliaga remains in his assignment under the Office of the Army's Adjutant General, but in a "less sensitive" position.

"Nandidito naman 'yun sa amin, nagtatrabaho sa opisina namin... We presume na hindi siya guilty unless proven by court, " said Coballes.

Burgos, son of the late press freedom fighter Jose Burgos, was abducted in Ever Gotesco Mall on April 28, 2007.

The Court of Appeals last March 18 pointed to Baliaga as being "responsible" for Burgos' "enforced disappearance." The same ruling held the AFP and Philippine National Police accountable for the abduction.

In September, the Department of Justice cleared six ranking military and police officers of charges, but recommended filing criminal charges against Baliaga.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/332759/news/nation/army-to-help-baliaga-prepare-defense-in-burgos-kidnapping-case

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