Davao City(21 January) — Widows and family members of the 13 slain journalists of the Maguindanao massacre went to the Office of the Ombudsman in Davao City last Tuesday, January 19. They filed criminal and administrative charges against Maj.Gen. Alfredo Cayton and Col. Medardo Geslani.
The group’s complaint was based on the statement made by journalist witness Joseph Jubelag who was supposed to join the group in the coverage.
The witness narrated his personal account with the two army officials as failing to provide an escort to the media group and giving a go signal to Bong Reblando, one of the slain journalists when asked if the area was safe and clear.
Upon hearing Jubelag’s statement,the survivors then found failure of responsibility shown by both army officials. They stressed that the massacre could have been prevented had it not been for both soldiers’ declaration that “there were no threats from the ground”.
Both army officers were charged for violating Sec 3(e) and (f) of RA 1319 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Section 4(e) of RA 6713 or Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.
