|
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Arrest warrant out vs Kato, Bravo
MANILA -- Murder charges and a warrant of arrest have already been filed against Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders Ameril Umbra Kato and Abdullah Saber Macapaar alias Bravo, an official said Wednesday.
Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. said the prosecutor in Mindanao told him that the Iligan Regional Trial Court has issued the arrest warrant of the two MILF leaders and 12 other troopers after it found a probable cause for multiple murder and arson in the charges.
What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers
He said the number of people killed; the testimonies of survivors, complainants, and photographs of gutted settlements; and the result of police probes in the affected towns in Lanao and North Cotabato were sufficient evidence to indict Kato and Bravo even though the police were not able to serve the subpoena to attend the preliminary investigation proceedings.
Gonzalez added that government troops are in pursuit of Kato and Bravo to bring them to justice.
Citing Section 3 (D) of Rule 112 of the Rules on Criminal Procedure, the Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that if a person cannot be subpoenaed, the prosecutor may resolve the issue based on existing evidence.
"If the person cannot be subpoenaed or located because of certain circumstances affecting this person, you can proceed with the preliminary injunction. Otherwise we cannot have any case," Gonzalez explained.
In a radio interview over Catholic-run dxND, Davao City Prosecutor Al Calica said that after a thorough investigation of the documents presented to them by five police stations in North Cotabato, they found enough evidences that linked Kato, Bravo, and 12 others in more than a hundred criminal complaints.
There were 107 complaints filed against the MILF commanders and their followers, and 42 of which were for arson. Other charges include robbery in band, attempted murder, murder, grave coercion, serious illegal detention, and violation of the Anti-Cattle Rustling Act.
Other than Kato and Bravo, also included in the complaint sheets are rebel commanders Wahid Tondoc; Mustapha Gundalanga known as Commander Tha; Abdul Bayan Guiamblang; Jack Abas; a certain Mohamad; a certain Meding; Usi Ampatuan; Musa Alamada who is known as Commander Paradise; a certain Talio; Commander Unson; Commander Cobra; and Camarodin Hadji Ali or Commander Mudi who is also known as Doctor Hadji Akbar.
Also included were Kato's men identified as Ismael Manalasal, Rakman Sulaik, Kuasin Sulaik, Mama Guiamilon, Nayang Timan, Datukan Montok, Tumalao Butuan, and several others.
Calica said that based on the investigations and background check of those individuals accused of arson and other crimes, they found out that some of them were already charged with multiple murder and frustrated murder in relation to bombing activities in North Cotabato, including the October 2006 blast in Makilala town that killed eight persons and injured 30 others.
Kato and Bravo led the series of attacks in several towns in North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Sarangani province last month. The attacks left a number of civilians killed, wounded, and even displaced. (MCM of Sun.Star Davao/ECV/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Iloilo. (September 4, 2008 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Arroyo wants review of peace initiatives