Troops to be charged with homicide for deaths of botanist Leonard Co, 2 others

From InterAksyon (Mar 1): Troops to be charged with homicide for deaths of botanist Leonard Co, 2 others

The Department of Justice has approved the filing of criminal charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide and attempted homicide against nine Army soldiers for the deaths of noted botanist Leonard Co and tow companions in late 2010.

The panel of prosecutors that investigated the case found no probable cause to charge the soldiers for murder.

Those to face the criminal case are 1st Lieutenant Ronald Odchimar, Corporal Marlon Mores, Privates First Class Albert Belmonte, William Bulic, Elmer Forteza, Alex Apostol, Roger Fabillar, Michael Babon and Gil Guimerey.

The prosecutors also recommended obstruction of justice charges filed against 27 other soldiers.
They are 2Lt Cameron D. Perez, Cpl Henrich M. Montecalvo, Pfc Noelito C. Eblamo, Pfc Ramelito V. Caayon, Pfc Julito K. Bucog, Pfc Enrique V. Barbarona, Pfc Elmer B. Tapac, Pfc Arvie M. Divinagracia, Pfc Jose D. Madrilejos, Cpl Jesus A. Verona, Pfc Leonard E. Regis, Pfc Richard O. Salandino, Pfc Apollo P. Elnar, Pfc Esperidion C. Java, Jr., Pfc Cornilio A. Coso, Pfc Ricardo L. Liguidliguid, Pfc Edjun A. Omawas, Pfc Modesto A. Camero, Jr., Pfc Elmer B. Costelo, Pfc Carlo Y. Romero, Pfc Godofredo B. Capatoy III, Pfc Andro B. Villanueva, Pfc Arnel C. Superales, Pfc Ramil L. Maguilano, Pfc Edyson M. Ferenal, Pfc Bob J. Alipoon and Pfc Enrico P. Malog.

In finding probable cause for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and attempted homicide, the prosecutors said: "We find that the victims were the actual targets of the respondents when they fired upon them. Without considering other circumstances, the act would have qualified the crime into murder."

"Unfortunately, we believe that, in good conscience and under normal circumstances, respondents would not have any malicious intent to injure, much more kill the victims had they known them to be civilians and not communist rebels as they had supposed them to be," the resolution said.

Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said they respect the DOJ decision.

“The AFP upholds the rule of law, respects and protects human rights and international humanitarian law. We will follow and adhere to the due process in the quest for truth and justice. In the process of investigation, we will remain cooperative,” Burgos said.

The military has maintained that Co, Sofronio Cortez and Julius Borromeo died in the crossfire during an encounter between soldiers of the 19th Infantry Battalion and communist rebels in Kananga, Leyte on November 15, 2010.

The victims were doing research work for the Energy Development Corp.

Two other members of their party survived and belied the military’s claim saying there had been no encounter.

The DOJ initially absolved the soldiers but later reinvestigated the case.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/56126/troops-to-be-charged-with-homicide-for-deaths-of-botanist-leonard-co-2-others