Army restricts 2 soldiers linked to murder of rebel leader's daughter in South RP

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 11, 2009) – Two of four army soldiers implicated in the brutal murder of a rebel leader’s daughter in the southern Philippines have been restricted to barracks by their superiors pending investigation government investigation into their role, officials said on Wednesday.

New People’s Army leader Leoncio Pitao tagged Sergeants Adan Sulao and Ben Tipait, Henry Bitang and Corporal Pedregoza as behind the alleged murder of his daughter, Rebelyn Pitao.

Pitao’s daughter was abducted by gunmen on March 4 in Davao City. The next day, her body was found in a creek in the town of Carmen in Davao del Sur province.

Reports said the body of the 21-year old woman, a teacher by profession, was wearing nothing, but underwear. Her hands were tied and mouth was bound with a packaging tape – she had stabbed wounds in her chest and was believed tortured and raped by her abductors.

Officials said the two soldiers – Bitang and Pedregosa - were former NPA rebels and now members of the Military Intelligence Battalion assigned with the 10th Infantry Division.

“The two soldiers are now restricted inside the camp so they can be available immediately to answer any investigation. The soldiers have denied any involvement in the murder of Rebelyn Pitao,” said Capt. Rosa Manuel, an army spokeswoman.

She said the Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, army division chief, has ordered an investigation into the allegations. “Initial investigation showed nothing against the two soldiers,” Manuel said.

The army initially denied involvement in the killing of Pitao. Pitao’s family also blamed the military for the killing. Pitao, who is also known as Kumander Parago, was responsible for the series of attacks on government forces in Mindanao.

Pitao’s group was also responsible for the kidnapping of Army Brig. Gen. Victor Obillo and his aide, Maj. Eduardo Montealto, in February 1999.

The NPA is fighting for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country and the killing of Pitao's daughter coincided with the government announcement that it would resume collapsed peace talks with rebels. (Mindanao Examiner)