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Soldiers harrass another Kalinga farmer

BAGUIO CITY (Jan. 27) — Another case of human rights violation has been allegedly committed by members of the B coy of the 21st Infantry Batallion of the Philippine Army based in Tappo, Pinukpuk, Kalinga.

Based on a fact sheet obtained from the Cordillera Peoples Alliance-Kalinga Chapter, the incident happened last December 15, 2004 at Sitio Anyang, Bonnong, Wagod Pinukpuk, Kalinga when members of B coy led by Capt. Leandro Adena harassed Dionicio Miguel.

It stated that the soldiers, accompanied by two CAFGUs namely Wilson Gupaal and Julius Banatao arrived at the residence of Miguel at around 11 a.m. and were met by a grandchild of Miguel. Miguel at that time was working at his farm and the soldiers reportedly asked the grandchild to fetch his grandfather.

Upon Miguel’s arrival, an unidentified soldier said “Adda picture mo kadakami, dati ka nga Milisyang Bayan ken pasa-bilis; sika ni Catalino Miguel o ni Ka Segan isunga kumuyog ka kadakami idiay Tappo” (We have your picture, you are a former Milisyang Bayan member and a courier, you are Catalino Miguel also known as Ka Segan so come with us to Tappo).

Miguel explained that there may have been a case of mistaken identity because his first name is Dionicio and not Catalino, the person that the soldiers were looking for. But the soldiers were adamant in bringing Miguel to their camp at Tappo for questioning.

For fear of his life, Miguel agreed to go only if he is accompanied by a Barangay official and he asked his grandchild to fetch Councilor Rosendo Bakidan. Unfortunately, Bakidan was not at his house during this time and so Nognog Daguitan, another grandchild of Miguel, accompanied him to Tappo. On their way, they met Bakidan and told him of Miguel’s ordeal. Bakidan decided to accompany Miguel and Daguitan to the army’s camp.

At the army’s camp, to the surprise of Miguel, Bakidan, and Daguitan, Miguel was not questioned nor the alleged picture of Miguel shown. The three ate lunch and after an hour were sent back to Bonnong Wagod. Miguel was given a pack of Nescafe and a kilo of sugar.

Miguel is a 58 year old farmer, married and has 10 children. # via NORDIS

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