DoJ clears Army, holds Lopez firm liable for botanist’s killing By Benjamin Pulta 01/21/2011

DoJ clears Army, holds Lopez firm liable for botanist’s killing

By Benjamin Pulta 01/21/2011

An official report by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has cleared the military in the death of three civilians, including noted botanist Leonardo Co, in the mountains of Lim-ao in Kananga town, Leyte last Nov. 15.

In a 26-page report, the panel composed of NBI Death Investigation Division Chief Romulo Asis, and Assistant State Prosecutors Diosdado Solidum Jr. and Bryan Jacinto Cacha said officials of the Energy Development Corp. (EDC) should be held liable for allowing Co’s team to conduct their explorations despite earlier notices given by the military unit of possible insurgent activity in the area.

“The circumstances of the incident, the failure of the employer to undertake necessary precautions point to the conclusion that the EDC is liable for reckless imprudence in the death of Dr. Co, (Sofronio) Cortez and (Julio) Borromeo,” the report said.

 The report also cleared the Army’s 19th Infantry Batallion of liability in the incident..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110121nat5.html