DOJ begins probe on Burgos disappearance

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has started its investigation into the disappearance four years ago of Jonas Burgos, political activist and the son of the late press freedom fighter Joe Burgos.

The DOJ has adopted the report of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) alleging the involvement of military personnel, at the conclusion of an independent probe ordered by the Supreme Court.

In a memorandum order released yesterday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima directed Prosecutor General Claro Arellano to coordinate with the CHR and the Burgos family “for the filing of appropriate complaint for preliminary investigation” against Army 1Lt. Harry Baliaga Jr., who the commission tagged as one of eight persons who allegedly snatched Jonas in a restaurant at the Ever Gotesco Mall on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on April 28, 2007.

De Lima said the DOJ would look into the possible filing of charges of kidnapping/enforced disappearance and/or arbitrary detention against Baliaga.

She also ordered Arellano to look into the CHR recommendation for the filing of perjury and obstruction of justice charges against three police witnesses, Emerito Lipio, Marlon Manuel and Meliza Concepcion-Reyes, who claimed that Jonas was abducted by members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.

Lastly, De Lima also ordered CHR’s two witnesses to be placed under the government’s witness protection program.

De Lima also directed Bulacan provincial prosecutor Alfredo Geronimo to review the criminal case against another suspect, Edmond Daguman, alias Delfin de Guzman, a communist rebel commander who supposedly ordered activist Jonas placed under surveillance prior to his abduction, and recommend appropriate action.

She instructed Cavite provincial prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco and NBI deputy director Reynaldo Esmeralda to look into the alleged participation of the Military Intelligence Group 15 of the Intelligence Services of Armed Forces of the Philippines.