Army junior officer faces possible court martial over Surigao incident

An Army junior officer faces possible court martial for his alleged failure to deal with the killers of a school leader and two tribal leaders in Surigao del Sur earlier this month.

“The platoon leader was told by his commanding officer to prepare to engage when he was asked what to do when the cooperative near the school compound was burning,” Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao said on Monday.

At the time the paramilitary group called Magahat Bagani went on a rampage and people were fleeing their houses. The building housing the community’s cooperative—Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (Alcadev)—near the school compound was torched by the armed men.

“Based on the board of inquiry results, the platoon officer asked his superior how he could fight the armed men with civilians around,” Hao said.

“After one hour his team was on its way to clear the area but the armed men were already far away. When they got to the compound it was already empty,” he added.

Based on the findings of the board of inquiry of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, it was recommended that the junior officer should be subjected to court martial proceedings.

Hao emphasized that the case of the officer is not related to the killings.

The platoon leader may face charges over the violation of the Article of War or conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman or conduct of a nature that brings discredit upon the military service, Hao said.

Hao said the Philippine Army leadership has yet to decide if the court martial proceedings would push through.

The platoon leader was already relieved from his position pending the investigation and is currently posted at the 68th Infantry Battalion headquarters.

The company commander, his immediate superior, was also reprimanded because of his failure to supervise the operations and “to give clear, direct guidance and supervision.”

Their identities were withheld in line with due process.

After the burning incident, the bodies of Alcadev school director Emerico Samarta and tribal leaders Dionel Campus and Aurelio Sinzo were found the next day. Their deaths were blamed on Magahat Bagani, which was allegedly controlled by the military.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has repeatedly denied the allegations.