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Philippine military admits to tribal killing

Soldiers mistook Mandaya tribesmen for communist rebels
Philippine military admits to tribal killing
Published: October 17, 2014 07:34 AM GMT
Updated: October 16, 2014 08:37 PM GMT

The Philippine military admitted on Thursday to killing two Mandaya tribesmen in Mindanao after they were mistaken for communist guerillas.

The two men were shot dead in the town of New Bataan, in Compostela province, last Saturday.

"We are deeply saddened by what transpired, and more so because the very reason soldiers are in the area is to protect the people," said Lt Col Michael Logico, commander of the Army's 66th Infantry Battalion.

The military has been fighting a communist insurgency in the Philippines for more than four decades.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Logico said troops were on a "clearing operation" early last Saturday when they were surprised by beams of flashlights from nearby followed by shouts of "soldiers, soldiers".

"The lead element, blinded by the light, sensed instant and overwhelming danger to his life. Perceiving no other option to save his life and his comrades, he opened fire in the general direction of the light," Logico said.

Authorities later identified the dead as Rolando Dagansan, 48, and his 16-year old son, Juda, who were returning to their home in the village of Andap. Though frequently accused of such killings, an admission of guilt by the security forces is rare.

A report from human rights group Karapatan said the bodies were peppered with bullets, their faces heavily disfigured and their bodies dismembered. 

"What the military did is a crime and they should be accountable for it, especially since it is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law," said Hanimay Suazo, Karapatan’s spokesman in southern Mindanao.

Suazo called on the military to turn the soldiers in to police for trial in a civilian court. 

Lt Gen Aurelio Baladad, head of the Eastern Mindanao Command, has ordered a full investigation.

"We have enlisted the support of the police in conducting this investigation to ensure transparency and credibility," Baladad was quoted by his spokesman Captain Alberto Caber as saying.

 

 

 

 

 

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