Thursday, November 12, 2015

Lumad rape victim’s mom clears accused soldiers

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 12): Lumad rape victim’s mom clears accused soldiers

The mother of the 14-year-old Lumad girl who was allegedly sexually abused by three soldiers has already executed an affidavit of desistance, the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army reported.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of 10th ID said the affidavit of desistance was filed before the Davao del Norte Provincial Prosecutors’ Office last October 22.

“The affidavit said that the allegations against Privates Revil, Galot and Banilla were not true. The mother also admitted that she and her daughter were just forced to sign the document,” Batchar pointed out and stressed that the document referred to by the mother was the complaint for rape.

“She also admitted that the persons who forced them to sign that complaint of rape were members of the New People’s Army or NPA,” Batchar added.

Batchar also clarified that the 10th ID did not receive any information as to the reported payment by the accused to the family of the victim to drop the case.

On Friday last week, the Philippine Army General Court Martial was convened at the 10th ID headquarters in Mawab, Compostela Valley where the rape case against Private First Class Stanly Revil, Private First Class Joffrey Galot and Private John Banilla was heard.

Revil, Galot and Banilla all pleaded not guilty during the arraignment last Friday.

Meantime, 26 Lumad soldiers completed their three-day training on health services held in Butuan City yesterday.

These IP soldiers, who are regular members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines with ranks of private to staff sergeants, are Higaonon, Manobo, Banwaon and Talaandig tribe members.

http://www.mb.com.ph/lumad-rape-victims-mom-clears-accused-soldiers/

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