Charges poised vs soldiers in 2 militants’ death

DAVAO CITY – Police are set to file charges against Army soldiers who figured in a shooting incident in New Bataan, Compostela Valley Wednesday night that left two militants dead and three others wounded.

"From all indications, it appears that our investigation is leading to the filing of proper charges against the soldiers who were involved in that incident," Chief Superintendent Andres Caro, Southern Mindanao police director, said.

Caro said investigators have subjected the members of two teams of the Army’s 28th Infantry Battalion to paraffin tests and rifle checks.

The 28th IB members were manning checkpoints 400 meters apart, which the victims reportedly ignored, resulting in the shooting.

"Those soldiers just have to answer the charges in court. That is the best thing they can do if it is proven that they committed excesses in firing at the victims," he said.

Caro, however, said the soldiers only reacted to the victims’ blatantly ignoring calls for them to stop at the two checkpoints despite warning shots.

"The victims not only breached one checkpoint, but two checkpoints," he said.

Brig. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade, said the soldiers involved are ready for any probe on the incident.

"Our men are willing to undergo any investigation as a consequence of their action," Holganza said.

Killed in the incident were Elmer Mabundas, 25, and Aurelia Bugahod, 50, which militant groups claimed to be members of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas. Wounded were Beato Suralba, Monith Bugahod and Warlito Villafuerte.

Lt. Col. Bienvenido Datuin, 28th IB commander, said the soldiers involved are now confined to their quarters.

"We are not running away from our accountability here. My men have already been taken into custody and have been disarmed," he said.