Military probes killing of 2 leftists in Compostela

DAVAO CITY – The Armed Forces is investigating Wednesday night’s shooting incident involving a team of soldiers manning a checkpoint who fired on five members of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) in New Bataan, Compostela Valley.

Two of the KMP members were killed while three others were wounded as personnel of the Army’s 28th Infantry Division manning the checkpoint opened fire at them for reportedly ignoring calls for them to slow down.

Slain were Elmer Mabundas, 25, and Aurelia Bugahod, 50, while those wounded were Beato Suralba, Monith Bogaod and the driver, Warlito Villafuerte.

"We are not running away from our responsibility here. We want the whole incident investigated," said Brig. Gen. Carlos Holganza, commander of the Army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade.

Holganza said the victims actually ignored not only one but two military checkpoints some 400 meters apart.

"The question here is why did they ignore the two checkpoints? They sped past the first checkpoint and they did the same at the second checkpoint where they were given warning shots before they were fired upon by the soldiers," Holganza said.

Bayan Muna Rep. Joel Virador said the military personnel involved in the incident should be brought to justice.

"It was a clear violation of human rights. The responsible elements of the Armed Forces assigned in the area must face the bar of justice," Virador said.

The relatives of the fatalities lamented how civilians have fallen victims to the intensified military operation against communist guerrillas.

Omar Bantayan, Southern Mindanao secretary-general of Kilusang Mayo Uno, said justice should be served to the victims of the strafing, who he said are now part of the list of killings under the Arroyo administration.

"We will pursue this case relentlessly until those responsible are made to account for their deeds," Bantayan said.

Holganza said that he immediately ordered an investigation into the matter and that he even had the two teams manning the two checkpoints taken under custody by the 28th Infantry Battalion.