Lawyers mull stronger case vs AFP men in Jonas Burgos disappearance

MANILA, Philippines—Human rights lawyers are seriously considering amending the criminal complaint against military officials allegedly involved in the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos.

“In extended consultation with Burgos family and our co-counsel, we will seriously study option to amend forthwith the criminal complaint for arbitrary detention and obstruction of justice to charge graver violation,” lawyer Edre Olalia said in a text message.

WHERE’S JONAS? After almost six years of fruitless search, this photo of Jonas Burgos, reportedly taken days after he was abducted, has surfaced, with the handkerchief used as blindfold still around his neck. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Olalia said they are contemplating of amending the case to violation of the Anti-Desaparecidos Law against Brigadier General Eduardo Ano, chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Army Major Harry Baliaga Jr.

He said they will include additional military personnel to their complaint.

“In time, subject to further orders and findings by the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals and/or follow up validation of newly discovered evidence furnished the Supreme Court as the case may be, we will implead several additional other military officers and personnel as respondents for the continuing violation of the Anti-Desaparecidos Law,” Olalia said.

Baliaga was identified in the Court of Appeals case as the one in charge of the operation where Burgos was abducted while Ano was head of operations of the Army’s intelligence arm.

Some of the newly discovered evidence include the after apprehension report, psycho and social processing report and autobiography of Jonas Burgos, all of which are confidential reports of a military official.

Burgos disappeared on April 28, 2007. He was last seen at Ever Gotesco Mall in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City.