Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Army to probe alleged mutilation of dead rebel’s body in NorCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): Army to probe alleged mutilation of dead rebel’s body in NorCot

The 10th Infantry (Agila) Division on Tuesday issued a statement directing the formation of a Board of Inquiry (BOI) to investigate the alleged mutilation of the body of a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel.

Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of the 10th ID said the command took note with serious concern over the allegation, stating further that such act is unacceptable and deserves the highest condemnation.

“We express our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Noel Gulmatico, alias "Jepoy", and assure them of our resolved to seek the truth about this incident and give the commensurate punishment to any member of our command who will be proven to have committed this despicable act,” Batchar said.

Gulmatico, the commanding officer of the Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda under Guerilla Front (GF) 53, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) was killed in a series of armed encounters between the soldiers of 39th Infantry Battalion and the NPA rebels in Barangay Balite, Magpet, North Cotabato last July 1.

Upon recovery of the cadaver of Gulmatico his family complained of the alleged mutilation of his dead body and accused the troopers of 39th IB as responsible for such acts.

A netizen posted on his Facebook page photos of the cadaver showing Gulmatico’s eyes were already gouged out, his tongue cut and his throat was slit.

“The headquarters of the 10th ID has organized a Board of Inquiry to investigate, determine the facts and if there are any, the culpability of the involved soldiers will be dealt with.”

Batchar added that the BOI would not prejudice other investigation to be conducted by duly constituted authorities.

“The Command will likewise fully support and cooperate with any investigation that duly constituted authorities may conduct. As a professional organization, we do not tolerate any violations of human rights and the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Rest assured that the public will be updated on the results of our investigation,” Batchar said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=901536

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