AFP sees no charges vs 2 Army officials in massacre issue

There was no negligence on the part of two Mindanao-based Army commanders who were relieved for allegedly refusing to provide security to the convoy that was massacred last Nov. 23, killing 57 people, in Maguindanao province. Armed Forces public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said an initial investigation conducted by the Inspector General’s office showed that so far, there is no ground to pursue charges against Maj. Gen. Alfredo Cayton and Col. Medardo Geslani. Cayton and Geslani, commanders of the 6th Infantry Division and 601st Brigade, respectively, were ordered relieved following reports that they turned down the request of the Mangudadatu clan for security escorts. "According to our inspector general, they found out that both commanders were not remiss in their responsibilities as commanders on the ground. That is the initial findings although, as I said, that is not complete," Brawner said. He, however, added that it is still “too early to say" whether the two would be returning to their posts. Brawner said both Geslani and Cayton admitted turning down the Mangudadatu clan’s request for security escorts due to lack of available soldiers. Quoting the two officials, Brawner said that prior to the massacre, a battalion was sent to Samar, leaving only two battalions - composed more or less of 1,000 soldiers - in the entire Maguindanao province. The battalion returned days after the mass killing. Brawner also said soldiers are not also allowed to provide security to a group performing "a political activity." "Soldiers are not allowed serve as escorts in a political activity. We are supposed to be neutral and apolitical," he said. The victims were on their way to the provincial capitol of Shariff Aguak to file the candidacy documents of gubernatorial aspirant Ismael “Toto" Mangudadatu, the incumbent vice mayor of Buluan town, when waylaid by armed men identified with the rival Ampatuan clan. Killed in the massacre were Mangudadatu’s wife and two sisters, along with several of their lawyers and supporters. The 31 journalists who were covering the event were also killed. - Andreo Calonzo/ KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV