ALMOST a year after Army Major Harry Baliaga Jr. was arraigned on charges of arbitrary detention for the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos in 2007, the presentation of evidence against him finally began.
During yesterday’s hearing before the QC Regional Trial Court Branch 216, the prosecution panel presented Edita Burgos, mother of the missing activist, as its first witness.
When asked about the monetary equivalent of the damages incurred due to her son’s disappearance, Edita said: “It is not quantifiable.”
However, Edita admitted their family spent millions, including her retirement fund, to find her missing son.
She added their family loses P100,000 per year, following the abduction of Jonas, who was managing their farm.
Outside the courtroom, Baliaga, who was out on bail, maintained his innocence and claimed he understands what the Burgos family feels.
However, he stressed the case against him has taken him away from his mother and family, who he said are experiencing emotional hardships due to allegations lodged against him.
Baliaga added the hoped the truth will come out soon as he expressed disappointment on how the case has taken away his chances of pursuing his life goals.
Alleged military officers reportedly abducted Jonas on April 28, 2007.
The case against Baliaga was filed before the court following the issuance of a 14-page review resolution of the Department of Justice on Sept. 3, 2013.
He was arraigned in November 12 last year.
During his arraignment, Baliaga refused to enter a plea, and the court entered a “not guilty” plea for him.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/burgos-disappearance-trial-finally-gets-ground
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