December 15, 2012, Journal Online, 10 soldiers face raps for botanist’s slay, by Jun Icban Legaspi,

December 15, 2012, Journal Online, 10 soldiers face raps for botanist’s slay, by Jun Icban Legaspi,

TEN soldiers from the 19th Infantry Battalion of Philippine Army (PA) were recommended by the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) to be charged in connection of the death of botanist Dr. Leonardo Co and his two assistants.

In the resolution released and signed by CHR, they recommended that criminal and administrative charges be filed against the soldiers in violation of Republic Act of No. 9851, better known as An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crime Against Humanity.

Co and his assistants Julio Borromeo and Sofronio Cortez were shot and killed in Sitio Mahiao, Bgy. Lim-Ao, Kangan, Leyte, in November 15, 2010.

The military explained that Co and his companions were trapped in the crossfire while the soldiers were implementing their Oplan Xmas Bonus against New People’s Army (NPA).

However, in the investigation conducted by (CHR), the soldiers failed to determine who of them were civilians, combatants or enemies of the state.

The CHR also stressed that the soldiers failed to extend any medical assistance to the victims especially to Borromeo that caused his death.