2 cops, 6 soldiers in Negros face charges over ‘rebel’ tag

TWO police officers and six soldiers are facing charges for allegedly accusing two persons as rebels.

Charges in connection with violations of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees, Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and perjury were filed against the respondents before the Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas Wednesday last week.

Dr. Oliver Gimenez and social worker Cristina Muñoz filed the charges against the respondents who purportedly linked them to the New People’s Army.

Muñoz, an administrative officer of the Community Empowerment Resource Network (Cernet) and Gimenez, Cernet executive director, said the respondents accused them of participating in the 2008 ambush in Sta. Catalina town in  Negros Oriental.

“They (respondents) knew very well that we are not rebels and that we did not participate in any ambush,” the complainants said.

They said the respondents, who are all based in Negros Oriental, caused them injury and damage.

Named as respondents are police officers Senior Insp. Mario Jungco and SPO4 Wenifredo Jamandron, Army’s 2nd Lt. Anthony Pueblas, Pfcs. Ike Panaguiton, Rico Acat, Rolando Melargo and Agapito Ladiama, and Cpl. Eddie Lumandap. /REPORTER ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL