Soldiers under investigation over killing of father and son

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Army is set to investigate the killing of a father and son   allegedly by government troops while on a routine security patrol in Compostela Valley, an official said Thursday.

Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad, Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), directed the 10th Infantry Division to look into the death of Lando Sabado Dangasan, 40, and his son Felix, 16.

Baladad said the Eastmincom “would not tolerate any violations of human rights committed by the soldiers” belonging to the 66th Infantry Battalion.

The incident happened in Sitio Taytayan, Barangay Andap, New Bataan, Compostela Valley on Sunday. The Dangasans reside in Purok 7, Sitio Taytayan, Barangay Andap.

Captain Alberto Caber, public information chief of the 10th Infantry Division, said a senior military officer of the Eastmincom would lead the investigating team alongside the Philippine National Police.

“Apparently, the soldiers were on patrol along the routes of Barangays Andap and Manurigao as part of the humanitarian assistance operation to be held in Manurigao,” Caber said.

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Logico, 66th Infantry Battalion Commander, said that his battalion has extended initial assistance to the Dangasan family and would fully cooperate in the conduct of the investigation on the incident.

Major General Eduardo Año, 10th Infantry Division Commander, said the two soldiers are now in the custody of Logico.

He said the area was infested with members of the New People’s Army, who mount ambuscades against soldiers and lay roadside bombs.

“It’s an unfortunate incident, nobody wanted it to happen,” Año said. “But of course there would be liabilities that the soldiers would have to answer.”