RESS RELEASE:
January 19, 2010
Rebelyn’s mom slams speedy release of intel agent
DAVAO CITY – Ka Parago’s wife Evangeline Pitao, together with members of the organization of rights victims’ families, was dismayed after knowing that one of the primary suspects in the abduction, rape and killing of Rebelyn Pitao was immediately released by the Davao City Police office after being apprehended for violation of the gun ban.
“Dismayado kaayo ko sa pagka-release ni Ben Tipait. Ngano man nga dali ra kaayo nila gi-release ang tawo nga nakalapas sa balaod sa gun ban, girelis bisan dominggo nga wala pay abri nga korte,” Pitao lamented..
In civilian clothes, Private First Class Edmar “Ben” Tipait of the Military Intelligence Group (MIG) Southern Mindanao was arrested, Saturday, along with Technical Sergeant Elpidio Bagunas Canilla, by the Regional Mobile Group for carrying guns in violation of the Comelec’s gun ban which took effect last January 10 this year.
DCPO, however, showed that Tipait has already been released by Sunday, the very next day after the arrest.
Tipait was tagged as one of the more than 10 intelligence agents and military officials under the 10th Infantry Division responsible for the abduction, torture, rape and killing of Rebelyn Pitao, 20-year old daughter of New People’s Army Commander Ka Parago last March 5, 2009. Tipait also figured in the rape-slay of Marjorie Lastimoso of the four young activists abducted and killed in Maco last September 23, 2003.
Evangeline Pitao, spokesperson of Hustisya–Southern Mindanao Region an alliance of the relatives of victims of extrajudicial killing under the Arroyo regime, said “we condemn this continued cover up and protection by the state for the criminals,hoodlums in uniforms, men who have been responsble for the most heinous crimes.”
“Nagatuo kami nga kana si Tipait usa ka criminal nga nagsuroy-suroy sa dakbayan. Sa nahitabo, gipakita ra ang rason nganong dili kami makaangkon og hustisya, kini tungod ang atong mga kapulisan dili gayod sinsiro nga hatagan kami og hustisya,” she said.
