Saturday, November 10, 2007 Sergeant, militiaman charged with murder
KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Police on Friday filed double murder charges against an Army sergeant and a militiaman accused of killing last week a newly proclaimed barangay councilor and a barangay tanod in Makilala, North Cotabato.
Insp. Ramel Hojilla, Makilala police chief, said they have at least three witnesses who identified the suspects in the killing on November 1 of barangay Malasila councilor Roger Mazo and village guard Errol Usop.
For security reasons, Hojilla refused to identify the suspects.
"We're not disclosing yet the names because we fear they might run away," said Hojilla.
Hojilla, however, said the soldier was already placed in a protective custody by his company commander based in the nearby town of Magpet.
An Army official from the 72nd Infantry Battalion who heads a company based in Magpet assured media that he would turn over the suspects if a warrant for their arrest would be issued by a proper court.
"I do not tolerate a bad act. If they, indeed, are involved in the killings, they must face the court," said the official who requested anonymity.
Hojilla, however, admitted the pieces of evidence they have at this point "were just circumstantial."
Mazo and Usop, onboard a motorcycle, were on their way home when fired at allegedly by the suspects armed with high-powered firearms, at around 1 a.m., on November 1.
Both succumbed to several gunshot wounds.
Witnesses said that hours before the ambush, Usop had a heated altercation with the suspects while the 'Disco ng Bayan' or benefit dance in Malasila was ongoing. The suspects, witnesses added, were very drunk at that time. (MCM)
