The CHR had earlier compelled the 10th Infantry Division of Eastern Mindanao Command of the Philippine Army to show to the investigating body the persons in their roster named by Kumander Parago as culprits of his daughter’s death.
Kumander Parago had earlier pinned down a certain “Adan Sulao,” “Helvin Bitang” and “Ben Tipait” of the AFP’s “Military Intelligence Battalion (MIB)” for the murder of his daughter.
Parago said in an earlier interview with Davao Today that the three worked under a certain “Colonel Caliwa of the MIG,” which had its headquarters in Panabo town of Davao del Norte. Parago said the MIG men were “responsible for the murder of activists in the region.”
Of the 13 soldiers that CHR chairperson Leila De Lima ordered to appear in the CHR public hearing in April 2009, only nine showed up.
Those who testified behind the drapes in the CHR public hearing were Helvin Bitang, Sergeant Orly Pedregosa, Corporal Winnie Carapatana, a certain Sgt. Romeo Marcus, a certain Major Romeo Cabanalan, a certain Sgt. Martin Onla, PFC Reynato Zenith, Corporal Marvin Acosta, and PFC Jimmy Embac.
Ben Tipait, also named by Kumander Parago, failed to show up in the inquiry. His lawyer told De Lima that Tipait’s interest was at stake. He was a former rebel who surrendered in the 90’s.
De Lima countered by saying that Tipait lawyer’s contention was not at par with the interest that the public had in such a case. She asked where Tipait was but his lawyer said he was in Manila.
Members of Hustisya (families and relatives of victims of political killings under the Arroyo Regime) – Southern Mindanao raise their clenched fist, calling for justice for all victims of political killings. (contributed photo)
De Lima cited that Tipait’s non-appearance already constituted “an act of disobedience to the CHR’s order, and that his absence would be “an enough basis for contempt citation” by CHR.
The first three soldiers who were put to questioning by De Lima, namely Bitang, Pedregosa and Carapatana admitted that they were a team of the 10th Military Intelligence Battalion (MIB) operating in the adjacent areas of Panabo City in Davao del Norte and Paquibato District, part of Davao City.
De Lima after the inquiry told the media that she noted “inconsistencies” in the way some answered her questions. She further cited that at least three names, “matched” her list and that she was more interested in the ones not present during the inquiry. She also said at least two of them needed further questioning.
Police apprehended this January Ben Tipait, but for violation of election gun ban. He was on a motorcycle passing along the Diversion Road of Buhangin District when apprehended by police authorities who were conducting a mobile checkpoint.
He was released 36 hours after detention however, because according to authorities they were not able to file the case since he was apprehended on a weekend and all government offices at such time were closed.
“Why did they have to release Tipait?” Delgado asked.
