Human rights charges vs Army unit in Cebu baseless — Santiago

CEBU CITY — Armed Forces chief Gen. Dionisio Santiago has dismissed as baseless allegations of human rights abuses against the controversial Cebu-based 78th Infantry Battalion.

Judging by his prepared speech, which he read in ceremonies marking the first anniversary of the AFP Central Command at Camp Lapu-Lapu the other day, it was clear nobody at the command apprised him of the controversies that have hounded the 78th IB.

The earliest reference Santiago could remember about allegations against the 78th IB was, in his own words, a couple of months ago. And even this he described as mere fabrications of "terrorists and communists."

Santiago was apparently not told that among those who have called for the removal of either the Army unit from Cebu or the relief of its commander were Danao City Mayor Ramon Durano III and provincial board member Victor Maambong, who are anything but terrorists or communists.

Recently, elements of the 78th IB figured in two incidents, just 24 hours apart, that placed the entire unit in a bad light and renewed calls for its removal.

On Nov. 26, about seven to eight 78th IB members mauled for nearly two hours a truck driver who figured in an accident with their vehicle.

The next day, a drunk 78th IB soldier fired his gun for no apparent reason, sending fragments of concrete flooring where he had aimed flying and injuring an elderly couple. — Freeman News Service