Army officer in Burgos kidnapping posts bail

Jonas Burgos. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Army Major Harry Baliaga, accused of abducting agriculturist Jonas Burgos in 2007, on Friday posted bail for his temporary liberty after a Quezon City court issued a warrant for his arrest.

Baliaga’s bail was set at P40,000.

An Army Special Forces Airborne officer, Baliaga maintained his innocence, saying he was never involved in the abduction of Burgos.

Baliaga arrived at regional trial court branch 126 at 10 a.m., accompanied by his private lawyer, Bumin Pasiwen.

“We came here to show we believe in the justice system. This system will exonerate me,” Baliaga told reporters.

Burgos, son of press freedom icon, the late Joe Burgos and his wife Edita, was abducted on April 28, 2007 at a Quezon City restaurant. He remains missing.