Court martial clears 2 military officers in Al-Barka killings

MANILA, Philippines – Two of four military officers on trial for their involvement in the bungled rescue operations  that led to the killing of 19 Army Special Forces by Muslim rebels in Al-Barka, Basilan in 2011, were cleared by a court martial due to “insufficient evidence.”

Colonel Jose Feliciano Loy, a law member of the general court martial headed by Brigadier General Teodoro Cirilo Torralba III, said on Wednesday that Lieutenant Colonel Orlando Edralin and Colonel Alexander Macario were returned to “full duty status,” following a ruling made on October 30.

Edralin, former Commandant of the Special Forces School, was charged with violation of Article 97 (Disorders and Neglects to the Prejudice of Good Order and Military Discipline).

Macario, then Commander of the Special Operations Task Force-Basilan,was charged with violations of AW 96 (Conduct Unbecoming of an Officer and a Gentleman) and AW 97.

The two officers and a co-accused, Colonel Amikandra Undog, former Regiment Commander of Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), filed a motion to dismiss their case.

Undog, who was charged with violations of AW 96 and  97, has filed a motion for reconsideration.

Loy added that the other accused, Lieutenant Colonel Leonard Peña, former Commanding Officer of the 4th Special Forces Battalion, may or may not file a motion to dismiss depending on the ruling on his formal offer of evidence.

Peña has been charged with violations of AW 96, AW 97 and AW 84 (Willful or Negligent Loss, Damage or Wrongful Disposition).

Loy said a hearing was set next week for the decision on Undog’s motion for reconsideration.  Both Undog and Peña are still on trial.