Friday, August 29, 2008

Girl Who Saw How Soldiers Abused Boy Is Herself Under Threat In Southern Philippines

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / August 29, 2008) – Two Philippine Air Force soldiers accused of maltreating a boy have allegedly threatened a witness to the crime in Davao City in Mindanao.

The family of a ten-year old girl, who witnessed how the soldiers burned the boy with cigarettes, has sought police protection. They claimed the two soldiers - Sgt. Manuel Doria and A2C Rex Dimaculangan – allegedly threatened to detain the girl if she testifies in court against them.

Police said the two servicemen were charged with slight physical injuries at a local court. It said the victim’s family accused the soldiers of torturing the six-year old boy on July 14 while he was playing near the air force base. The soldiers were drank when the incident happened.

Human rights advocates urged the military to dismiss the two abusive soldiers and for Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and Rep. Prospero Nograles to act on the welfare and safety of both the victim and the witness. (Romy Bwaga)

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