Partylist reps seek probe on death of botanist Co

Claiming that renowned Filipino botanist Leonard Co was the first scientist victim of extra-judicial killing under the Aquino administration, two partylist representatives in the Lower House on Thursday called for an investigation on the Nov. 15 death of Co and two others in Kananga, Leyte. In filing House Resolution 660, Bayan Muna Reps. Neri Javier Colmenares and Teddy Casiño also said the Kananga deaths have put the number of environmentalists killed in the country to a total of 36 since 2001. They added that there are now 23 victims of extrajudicial killings since Benigno Aquino III assumed the presidency on June 30 this year. “The demise of Co is a big loss to the scientific community and the cause of environmental conservation in the Philippines since the country has only a few taxonomists who serve the needs of the nation and its people and for the conservation of the country’s biodiversity," the resolution read. “Even the family of Dr. Co doubts the statements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)," Colmenares said in a press statement, citing the alleged inconsistencies on the military’s version of the story. He said Co’s family is now also calling for a probe into the circumstances of the botanist’s death, and cited the statement of survivor Policarpio Balute, a farmer who served as one of Co’s two guides, that the shooting was one way. (See: No crossfire when botanist Leonard Co was shot, witness says) The military said that it was a legitimate encounter but they are also open to an investigation. Colmenares said the 19th Infantry Battalion, the Army unit involved in the supposed encounter, has been dubbed by activists and human rights groups as the “Massacre Battalion" for allegedly being responsible for three other violent incidents resulting in multiple deaths in Region 8 or Eastern Visayas. He added that something has to be done with the orientation, training and the rules of engagement being taught to soldiers. “There are now too many cases of soldiers and even police shooting first and asking questions later. If they are trigger-happy then they need to be punished. This rampant practice of the armed forces has led to innumerable whitewashes and cover-ups and it has to be stopped," said Colmenares.—Amita O. Legaspi/JV, GMANews.TV