Military man accused of abducting militant relieved

MANILA, Philippines—Major Harry Baliaga, primary suspect behind the abduction of militant leader Jonas Burgos, has been removed from his position and reassigned to the Philippine Army headquarters while he is facing investigation by the Commission on Human Rights, a military spokesman said Tuesday.

In an interview, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brigadier General Jose Mabanta said that the order came from Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eduardo Oban. Baliaga, who was formerly assigned to the Special Forces Detached Service, will temporarily stay at the holding center at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio.

“He is relieved of all his duties so that he will be able to concentrate on the cases that may be filed against him in connection with the CHR recommendation,” Mabanta said.

He added that the military was seriously viewing this case and that the Armed Forces’ Technical Working Group would also determine whether other military commanders are also liable for the abduction of Burgos.

“We’ll leave no stones unturned,” Mabanta said.

Burgos has been missing since April 2007 after being abducted at a mall in Quezon City. The victim’s family accused the military of abducting Burgos after the get-away vehicle allegedly used for the kidnapping was found inside the compound of the 56th Infantry Battalion in Bulacan.