Sunday, February 12, 2006
Rebels accuse lumad hostages of various crimes v. people
By Ben O. Tesiorna
MULTIPLE murder, rape, attempted murder and other serious violations of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law are among the charges being faced by three tribesmen taken hostage by the rebels in Paquibato District since January 25.
Charged were Rudy Adang, a barangay councilman and a militiaman, Tony Legue and Inggo Lindaton, both farmers.
New People's Army (NPA) rebels, under Kumander Parago, are holding the three captive.
"After a thorough investigation conducted by a special investigative body created in accordance with the judicial system and processes of the People's Democratic Government, the prima facie facts were found against the respondents," Parago said.
He maintained that Lindaton and Legue are members of the armed paramilitary group Alamara operating in Paquibato District, Davao City while Adang is an active member and team leader of the Cafgu assigned in the Army's 73rd Infantry Battalion detachment in Sitio Kiman-anao, Barangay Salapawan, Paquibato District.
Parago said the three have singly and jointly served, participated, supported and engaged in the various counter-revolutionary operations of units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines previously and currently deployed in Paquibato that have resulted in various crimes and atrocities against the civilian population and the revolutionary movement.
Parago said the three have participated in "the mass murder and massacre of twelve people, which included eight farmers and four children, were premeditated acts of aggression against civilians."
He said Legue allegedly committed the rape of an 11-year-old girl in September 1995 in Purok Kulapi, Barangay Mapula.
"It was consummated after the respondent surreptitiously entered the victim's abode and at gun point, repeatedly forced himself upon the child," Parago said.
"Then there was the shooting and wounding of Yoyo Gallo by respondent Adang, which occurred in Sitio Lower Mapula in the first week of December 2005 was characterized by the presence of a clear intent to kill since victim Gallo was long suspected of being an NPA sympathizer," added Parago.
For the said crimes, the first Pulang Bagani Company recommended, "after due trial by a people's court or military tribunal established for this purpose, that the respondents be meted out the appropriate penalties for having committed the acts constituting crimes against humanity and other serious violations of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights."
"Their trial shall be in accordance with the judicial system and processes of the People's Democratic Government," assured Parago.
"The respondents are guaranteed and accorded humane treatment. They are afforded due process and all their rights appurtenant to their status and condition," he added.
The indictment was handed down last February 7.
(February 12, 2006 issue)
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