Army releases inquiry reports on Surigao del Sur, Davao del Norte allegations

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 15): Army releases inquiry reports on Surigao del Sur, Davao del Norte allegations

After reviewing the submitted reports of its field units, the Army released yesterday the results of its board of inquiries in the Lianga-Magahat Bagani allegations in Surigao del Sur, and the alleged sexual molestation of soldiers on a Lumad minor in Davao del Norte.

The allegations include the killings of three civilians and burning of a cooperative store in Sitio Han-ayan, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, and in Surigao del Sur on Sept. 1, 2015.

In a report submitted by the Commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) based in Cagayan de Oro City, the Army Board of Inquiry tasked to review the said allegations led to the conclusion that the incident in Sitio Han-ayan was a tribal conflict within the context of insurgency, that is, one tribal group affiliated with the New People’s Army (NPA) while the other is an anti-NPA tribal group.

Major General Oscar T. Lactao, the 4ID commander, said that the Board of Inquiry did not find any direct or indirect link that would connect the involvement of the military to the killings which were all attributed to the Magahat Bagani force.

“Magahat force has been known as anti-communist and as such, it is perceived to be closely associated with the government or military,” said Lactao.

“I would like to emphasize that it is the policy of this Command not to condone any illegal armed groups,” he added.

The 4ID commander also directed Col. Isidro L. Purisima, the 402nd Infantry Brigade Commander, to conduct law enforcement operation to capture the perpetrators, especially the identified suspects namely, Loloy Tejero, Bobby Tejero, and Gareto Layno. They are to face justice and shed light in connection with the incident.

The Army is also looking into the possible lapses of some of its operating troops who could have made actions that could lead to the immediate capture of the perpetrators.

On the issue of the alleged sexual molestation committed against a Lumad minor in Davao, the Army conducted an internal investigation even in the absence of a formal complaint from the alleged victim.

“Even in the absence of a complainant, the Army has the obligation to ensure that our soldiers act accordingly and decisively as required by existing AFP laws, regulations, directives or policies,” said Maj. Gen. Rafael C. Valencia, commander of the 10th Infantry Division.

The result of the submitted report by the 10th Infantry Division based in Mawab, Davao del Norte recommended charging individually the three soldiers involved in the case, in a general court martial for violation of the Article of War (AW) 97, or conduct of a nature that brings discredit upon the military service.

The soldiers, whose names are still withheld, denied the reports against them but the other details of the case gave the Army’s investigating body a ‘prima facie’ (at first encounter) case against the three soldiers for violation of AW 97.

Since no formal complaint was submitted, the result of the investigation was based on information given by the municipal social welfare and development officer of Talaingod, Davao del Norte and the affidavits submitted by concerned personnel.

The company commander of the three soldiers was also recommended for administrative sanction in violation on the policy of ‘commander’s responsibility,’ of promptly initiating the conduct of investigation to determine the administrative liability of personnel involved and failure to inform his immediate superior.

“The immediate release of the findings of our Board of Inquiry is a manifestation that we are serious in addressing the human rights issues and other cases against our personnel,” said Lt. Gen. Eduardo M Año, the Army Commanding General.

“Our Army troops must and will always abide with the highest standards of human rights, IHL and the rule of law,” Año added. (Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3001442219907/army-releases-inquiry-reports-on-surigao-del-sur-davao-del-norte-allegations