Charges up vs army troopers in Antique mis-encounter
Murder and frustrated murder charges will be pursued against army soldiers responsible for the tragic mis-encounter that took the life of a civilian in the municipality of San Remigio, province of Antique.
And it was a case of military brutality and indiscriminate firing, the family of the slain victim said through its counsel, Arturo Pacificador, reason why the surviving members demand for immediate justice in the death of Epifania Cabaya.
"They had killers' instinct," he said in disgust in yesterday's Bombo Radyo interview.
The respondent-soldiers are troopers of the 31st Reconnaissance Company led by 1st Lt. Rey Aguis, all of whom were relieved from their posts and remain in custody of Task Force Panay (TFP). The relief was reached after Army top brass sought for an independent probe of the tragic incident. The 65 year-old fatality succumbed to gunshot wounds following a 35-minute exchange between the 31st Recon forces said to be triggered by the first shot fired from within the Cabaya household.
The News Today (TNT) sources in Antique said the victim's family is determined to file criminal and administrative cases even if an impartial investigation is underway.
Initial reports further disclosed of the confirmation that probers validated information stating that the shoot-out stemmed from the locals' wrongful belief on the army's identities.
Though in full battle gears and wearing military fatigue uniforms, the Cabayas still mistook the government troopers as members of the communist terrorist group, New People's Army (NPA).
Propagandists of the rebel group were quick to come out with press statements condemning the incident while silent on the issue of extortion and harassment activities throughout hinterland barangays of the province.
For years now, army presence was intensified in the area following calls for help of residents on the terror caused by the rebels. A drive against loose firearms has since been made by the military and police however residents particularly those in far-flung areas armed themselves with unlicensed weapons.
Recovered in the Cabaya household was a Carbine and 12-gauge homemade shotgun.
Meantime, a death threat was made on Pacificador, the male caller warning him for taking on the cudgels for the Cabaya family.
TNT sources said authorities in Hamtic, Antique were already informed of the phone call with Pacificador personally reporting the matter to the Hamtic PNP.