Rangers deny trespassing on Burgos home

From Malaya Business Insight (Dec 1): Rangers deny trespassing on Burgos home

BRIG. Gen. Eduardo Davalan, commander of the First Scout Ranger Regiment, yesterday belied a claim by the family of Mrs. Edita Burgos that his men trespassed on the family’s compound in Bulacan last week during the regiment’s anniversary celebration.

 

“They did not go inside the Burgos compound,” said Davalan of his men who conducted road security last Wednesday in line with the 66th anniversary of the FSRR in Camp Tecson, San Miguel town.

“We were expecting a lot of visitors during that day, that is why we did that particular security operation,” he said.

Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao said the Burgos compound is about 500 meters to one kilometer from the FSRR headquarters.

 

The anniversary was attended by various personalities, including Davalan, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos, Army Support Command chief Maj. Gen. Elmer Pabale, and retired Brig. Gen. Felix Brawner, a former FSRR commander.

“The Philippine Army denies the allegations that soldiers went inside the Burgos family compound on Nov. 25 at San Miguel, Bulacan as reported in some newspapers,” said Hao, adding the troops positioned themselves along the Camias-Sibul Road.

 

Reports had it that Mrs. Burgos’ eldest son, Sonny, approached the soldiers, who were in full battle gear and asked why they trespassed in front of his house. One of the soldiers responded they were merely securing the area.

The soldiers left the compound and repositioned outside after being repeatedly requested by the angry Sonny to get out of the Burgos   premises.

Sonny’s brother, peasant leader Jonas Burgos, was snatched by alleged Army soldiers at a Quezon City mall in April 2007 and remains missing. An Army officer had been charged before a Quezon City for the kidnapping.

 

Mrs. Burgos was not around the compound but asked the AFP to explain the actuation of its personnel.

Reports quoted Mrs. Burgos as saying the failure of the troops to explain their act creates suspicion and alarm, noting her family’s strained relationship with the military brought about by her son’s kidnapping.

“We are willing to cooperate in any investigation, we are open to any investigation. But definitely, we do not have any ill intention (towards the Burgos family),” Hao said.

http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/rangers-deny-trespassing-burgos-home