Military

Probe of New Bataan Checkpoint Shooting Underway

Two independent teams have looking into the shooting incident on April 25, 2007, in New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province, that resulted in the death of two civilians and the wounding of three others.

In a meeting called by Mayor Lorenzo L. Balbin, Jr., Compostela Valley Police Provincial Director P/Supt Nestor Quinsay has given the assurance that there would be no whitewash in the investigation. He said the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have been tasked by the PNP to conduct thorough investigation.

(more…)

Continue ReadingProbe of New Bataan Checkpoint Shooting Underway

Philippines: Checkpoints Another Move to Condition Public with Massive Military Presence on Election Day

MANILA — Anakpawis Representative and political detainee Crispin Beltran today slammed anew the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ establishment of more checkpoints all over the country as the countdown to the May 14 elections begins. He said that the military checkpoints were being put up not so much to deter criminals but to intimidate and frighten supporters of the opposition senatorial slate as well as of the progressive party-lists.

(more…)

Continue ReadingPhilippines: Checkpoints Another Move to Condition Public with Massive Military Presence on Election Day

Philippines: Pimentel Seeks Prosecution of Grecil’s Killers

MANILA — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr.
(PDP-Laban) today urged the Armed Forces of the
Philippines to conduct a no-nonsense investigation
into the ?accidental? killing of a nine-year old
village girl during an encounter between government
troops and communist guerillas in Compostela Valley
and to identify the soldiers responsible for the
tragedy.
(more…)

Continue ReadingPhilippines: Pimentel Seeks Prosecution of Grecil’s Killers

Philippines: International Probe on Grecil’s Death Urged

DAVAO CITY — ?Exactly one month after the death of 9-year old Grecil Buya Galacio, an independent investigation has yet to commence,? lamented Alphonse Rivera, Spokesperson of SALINLAHI Alliance for Children?s Concerns. Grecil was killed by members of the 28th and 67th IB in New Bataan, Compostella Valley last March 31, 2007. She was initially branded as a ?child soldier? by the military which was later forced to retract their statement after the family and Salinlahi presented evidences proving otherwise.
(more…)

Continue ReadingPhilippines: International Probe on Grecil’s Death Urged

Philippines: Children’s Group Lauds Cayetano for Backing Grecil Autopsy

DAVAO CITY — KABIBA Alliance of Children?s Concerns in Mindanao, a coalition of 51 child-focused and child-friendly groups, commended today Sen. Pia Cayetano for supporting the clamor on the conduct of an impartial autopsy on the remains of Grecil Buya whom the military misrepresented as NPA ?child combatant?
(more…)

Continue ReadingPhilippines: Children’s Group Lauds Cayetano for Backing Grecil Autopsy