Officer in Burgos case denies involvement in abduction

MANILA, Philippines -  Army Maj. Harry Baliaga Jr. said he is optimistic that he will be cleared of the charges against him in connection with the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos.

“We still believe in the justice system. This is the same justice system that will exonerate me. I believe 100 percent that I will be cleared,” Baliaga told Solar News Friday.

“From the start, I know that I can get through this. In the end, the truth will come out and that I am do not have anything to do with it,” he added, referring to the disappearance of Burgos.

Baliaga said he has been waiting for the opportunity to explain his side on the issue which, activists claim, reflects the human rights abuses under the government.

He said the case has affected his career in the military.  Officers involved in cases are usually placed under the support command.

“I am losing track of the career path that I was supposed to tread  because of the accusations against me,” Baliaga said.

The Army officer became emotional when he talked of the accusations against him about the abduction of Burgos. He said he was with his family at the time when Burgos was allegedly being forcibly taken from a mall in Quezon City.

“I cried when I was asked about my whereabouts on April 28 (2007). I immediately thought about my family since I was with them that time then here comes other people claiming that I committed something wrong that time,” Baliaga said.