Maguindanao military commander during 2009 massacre gets promotion

MANILA, Philippines - The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday approved the promotions of 89 military officers, including Army Brig. Gen. Medardo Geslani was chief of the Maguindanao-based 601st brigade when the infamous Maguindanao massacre took place in Nov. 23, 2009.

Voting 7-1-1, the CA defense panel chaired by Capiz Rep. Antonio del Rosario approved the promotions to brigadier general of Geslani despite the massive opposition by Rep. Zajid Mangudadatu and a group of journalists filed before the committee.

The military officers were eventually approved at the plenary session presided by CA overall chairman, Senate President Franklin Drilon.

The congressman also opposed the promotions of Col. Rolando Nerona but he was prevailed upon by his colleagues at the committee level.

Seven members of the CA voted for the promotions, while Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano was against it. Sen. Vicente Sotto III abstained during the proceedings.

Among those promoted to brigadier general were Arthur Ang, Manolito Orense, Enrique Reyes, Johnny Macanas,  John Oliviamore Estabillo, Armando Banez, Vicente Yordan, Edgar Gonzales, Job Yucoco, and Adrien Quidlat.

Those promoted for major general were: Mayoralgo dela Cruz,  Glorioso Miranda, Salvador Mison Jr. Lieutenant General Felicito Virgiolo Trinidad Jr. also passed the CA scrutiny in flying colors.

Geslani and Nerano were blamed for letting the camp of Ampatuans set  checkpoints on the highway leading to the provincial capital.   The infamous massacre killed 16 members of the Mangudadatu clan, 32 journalists and civilians.

The courts have reportedly junked the cases linking Geslani and Nerano to the killings.

A total of 195 people have been implicated in the incident, including members of the Ampatuan clan, members of civilian volunteer organizations, militia men and policemen.