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Army major in Burgos disappearance posts bail


The Army major who was ordered arrested for his alleged involvement in the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos posted bail on Friday even as he has yet to receive a copy of the arrest warrant.

Major. Harry Baliaga Jr. posted a P40,000 bail ahead of the warrant as a gesture of his innocence on the charges of arbitrary detention, according to Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang.

"Because he is very confident na wala siyang kasalanan, he did not wait anymore na magkaroon ng warrant. He presented himself to the court and posted bail with his civilian counsel," Cabangbang told GMA News Online in a phone interview.

Cabangbang said Baliaga posted bail 10 a.m. on Friday at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 216, which issued the warrant on Monday.

Burgos, a political activist and son of the late press freedom fighter Jose Burgos, was allegedly abducted in a restaurant at the Ever Gotesco Mall along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on April 28, 2007. The license plate number of the vehicle used in his abduction was traced to a vehicle impounded at the camp of the 56th IB.

Cabangbang said Baliaga would attend the proceedings of his case. "He will make sure he will be made available for the subsequent trial," he said.

Baliaga's arraignment is set on November 12, Cabangbang said.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the filing of criminal charges of arbitrary detention against Baliaga due to strong evidence about his alleged participation in Burgos' disappearance.

The DOJ, however, cleared ranking police and military officials in the case, among them Brig. Gen. Eduardo Año, Lt. Col. Melquiades Feliciano, Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino, former Armed Forces chiefs Gen. Hermogenes Esperon and Alexander Yano, and former national police chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. — KBK, GMA News


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