Tuesday, October 07, 2008 Nolcom won’t condone erring soldiers
THE military's Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said it will not condone any misbehavior of its members, especially if they are proven guilty of their misdeeds by the proper courts.
Nolcom spokesman Rosendo Armas issued the statement in response to the sustained propaganda blitz orchestrated by certain groups purposely to pin down the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the unexplained disappearance of some militant leaders and members.
Armed men believed to be members of the 24th Infantry Battalion (IB) forcibly took two peasant organizers in Bataan Province, namely: Nelson Balmana and Florencia Espiritu on September 21 and 22, respectively.
Last September 17, James Balao, founder and organizer of the Cordillera People's Alliance (CPA), was also reported missing.
The CPA and other militant groups, during media interviews, pointed at the Intelligence Service of the AFP as the culprit.
In a spirit of fairness and equality, Armas said Nolcom commander Isagani Cachuela urged those concerned to file charges in court instead of waging a demolition campaign in the media, wherein the accused have no chance to defend themselves.
"As I always emphasize, if there are evidences - legally and technically - to prove that our soldiers committed any wrongdoings, I am very much willing to support any investigation into this matter," said Cachuela.
The Nolcom chief stressed that he will not tolerate any erring soldier under his command.
"They have to face the consequences of their actions, if indeed, they committed any form of abuse in the community," he said, adding that like any other citizen of this country, soldiers are also entitled to due process. (VR/Sunnex)
