AFP chief questions motive of those linking them to Lumad killings

From GMA News (Sep 10): AFP chief questions motive of those linking them to Lumad killings

Insisting that the military is not involved in the killing of two tribal leaders and a school head last week, Armed Forces chief Hernando Iriberri on Thursday questioned the motive of those who continue to link them to the alleged harassment and killing of indigenous peoples or Lumad in Mindanao.

"The perpetrators, the suspects, have been already identified and it's very clear that [they] are not [under us] and yet they (accusers) insist we are behind it," said Iriberri.

"That's where you can see their motive in accusing the Armed Forces."

Iriberri did not mention any names, but his statement came two days after progressive lawmakers grilled military officials during a budget briefing at the House of Representatives regarding the alleged military-backed Magahat Bagani Force, the group blamed for the killing of the two tribal leaders and school head in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Officials had repeatedly denied that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) had trained and armed the Magahat Bagani Force .

The three suspects were identified as Bobby Tejero, his brother Loloy, and Garito Layno, all members of the alleged paramilitary force. They have been charged with grave coercion, multiple murder, arson, robbery and grave threats last Sept. 7 along with 20 John Does.

“I want to clarify this first na mayroon nang tatlong tao na na-identify and cases have been filed against three persons responsible for the incident in Lianga,” said Iriberri, a native of Surigao del Sur.

"Very clear na walang katotohanan 'yung ina-accuse sa amin na kami ang may kagagawan ng mga karumal-dumal na krimen na 'to,” he added.

Iriberri said they will investigate other reports that soldiers were seen in the area during the incident, although he added those could be just armed men wearing military uniforms.

“It's easy to wear uniform, even NPAs (New People's Army) wear uniform. Ginagamit 'yung uniporme namin, 'yung mga nare-recover nila halimbawa doon sa aming casualties and so napakadaling gumamit ng uniporme,” he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/536399/news/nation/afp-chief-questions-motive-of-those-linking-them-to-lumad-killings