Army to probe alleged mutilation of dead rebel’s body in NorCot

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Philippines News Agency) -- The 10th Infantry (Agila) Division on Tuesday issued a statement directing the formation of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the alleged mutilation of the body of a suspected New People’s Army rebel.

Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of the 10th ID, said the command took note of the allegation with serious concern. He said the alleged act is unacceptable and deserves the highest condemnation.

“We express our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Noel Gulmatico, alias 'Jepoy', and assure them of our resolve to seek the truth about this incident and give the commensurate punishment to any member of our command who will be proven to have committed this despicable act,” Batchar said.

Gulmatico, the commanding officer of the Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda under Guerilla Front (GF) 53, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) was killed in a series of armed encounters between the soldiers of 39th Infantry Battalion and the NPA rebels in Barangay Balite, Magpet, North Cotabato on July 1.

Gulmatico's family, who recovered his body, complained of mutilation and accused the troopers of 39th IB as being responsible for it.

Facebook photos that a netizen posted showed Gulmatico’s eyes had been gouged out, his tongue cut and his throat slit.

“The headquarters of the 10th ID has organized a Board of Inquiry to investigate, determine the facts and if there are any, the culpability of the involved soldiers will be dealt with.”

“The Command will likewise fully support and cooperate with any investigation that duly constituted authorities may conduct. As a professional organization, we do not tolerate any violations of human rights and the International Humanitarian Law. Rest assured that the public will be updated on the results of our investigation,” Batchar said.