Diocese of Negros Occidental

IGLESIA FILIPINA INDEPENDIENTE

Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist Bago City

OPEN LETTER FOR THE PRESIDENT

After storming the heavens with prayers, the murderers of Benjie Bayles are finally (officially) identified. Last September 13, 2011, during the budget hearing interpellation of Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares on the Department of National Defense budget under the sponsorship of Representative Osmea and Representative Fuentebella, the Department of National Defense confirmed before the Philippine Congress that the accused in the Bayles case were PFC Reygine G. Laus alias Roger Bajon and PFC Rafael Cordova alias Ronnie Caurino. But as the case moves to certain progress, the fear that it will be whitewashed becomes stronger. In this juncture, we entreat the President to act speedily in bringing the perpetrators to the bar of justice. Mr. President, we are all dreaming for peace. We believe that peace is grounded on truth and justice. It is hard to dream for peace without justice. We are all working to build community for peace, believing that peace must not end with dreams. As you have experienced in leading the country, working for peace is painstaking. We also have our own shares of struggles and frustrations as peace in the Philippines seemed to be elusive but our faith in God of Peace and Justice always enliven us to continue pursuing this noble agenda. Mr. President many died because of our love to live in peace. Among the more than 1500 victims of extra judicial killings and enforced disappearances since 2001 under the corrupt and fascist term of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the case of Mr. Benjamin Benjie Bayles stands out because of numerous factors. This is the only case of extra judicial killings that the perpetrators were apprehended. Last June 14, 2010 when Benjie was killed, the 2 perpetrators were apprehended by police authorities. They identified themselves as Ronnie Caurino and Roger Bajon. In the initial interview of Aksyon Radyo Bacolod, they admitted that they were organic members of Philippine Army. The following day the PNP Himamaylan said that they are mere fish vendors. The denials of the Philippine Army that the apprehended individuals were active members of their rooster. Col Bayhon of 61st IB Phil. Army vehemently denied that the said apprehended individuals are members of his team. The no investigation of PNP Himamaylan and their reluctance to cooperate to solve the problems. It is very unusual that the PNP Himamaylan distant themselves from the case. With great disappointment, there were no investigations conducted by the PNP Himamaylan. It was the church together with the non-government organizations that aggressively searched for

evidences. Interestingly, while the ballistic reports declared negative reports, it took more than one year for the PNP to present the weapons used by the murderers, invoking various excuses why they cannot present them. Missing documents essential for further investigations. It was unacceptable that during the court hearing, pages of the radio operators log book of Kabankalan City and Himamaylan City that are supposed to bear details of radioed information that led to the apprehension of the suspects were stolen and are still missing! The admittance of General Gazmin last October 2010 that the two apprehended individuals are indeed active military soldiers. The admittance by no less than Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the Department of National Defense that those who were apprehended were real soldiers of 61st IB PA using fictitious names during the interpellation of Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares while Col Bayhon is just the tip of the iceberg. Very ironic that the direct commander of the 61st IB insisted vehemently that he had no knowledge of the incident while the Manila based ex-general is fully aware of what is happening in Negros. The haunting experience of the witnesses in the case. Our witness Vilma Tejada, who was visited by the accused and asked the whereabouts of Benjie before the latter was killed, reported that she was threatened by the military if ever she testify before the court.

The refusal of the military personnel to appear before the court after several subpoenas issued. This is an insult to civilian and judicial authority. Col. Bayhon, General Porto, et al,
refused to appear in court after series of subpoenas were handed to various higher military offices stipulating their names. Copies of the subpoena were given to JAGO or Judge Advocate Generals Office, and even to Secretary Gazmin DND. On September 13, 2011 through Sec. Osmena during the budget deliberation the DND admitted that the 2 suspects were just discharged as members of the AFP last May 10, 2011. Mr. President, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) is committed to work for the welfare of the poor and the needy knowing that in a semi colonial and semi feudal society like the Philippines they are powerless, vulnerable, and helpless. Empowered by our faith that our God is God of Love, the IFI stands in the forefront in the fight for peace and justice as our covenant to Love Thy Neighbors. Mr. President, it pains us that our brother Benjie who worked for peace was killed in unpeaceful manner by those who are supposed to promote and defend the welfare of the community. It grieves us further to think that without your due intervention the case will be one of the unresolved cases since the culture of impunity seemed to be more of a reality nowadays. Mr. President, as much as we kneel to pray that God will heal our society and reconcile us back again to each other as a living testimony that we are reconciled back to Him, we stand in solidarity with the struggling masses as they advance their agenda for social justice. Together with the mourning families and friends of our Brother Benjamin Benjie Bayles, we demand justice! We ask that you intervene on our behalf:

That the military officials will respect the subpoena to appear in the court. As commander in chief we know that you can compel them to face the court. For now, they are so uncooperative. Or perhaps they are avoiding as manifestation of guilt. That the concern military office will release the personnel folder to be used in court for the identity of the two. The AFP image continues to rot further because they resorted to use aliases to hide their true identity. That together with Department of Justice Sec. de Lima, you will help us for the speedy resolution of the case.

Pro Deo et Patria,

(Sgd.) THE RT. REV. FELOMINO N. ANG Diocesan Bishop Diocese of Negros Occidental Iglesia Filipina Independiente