De Lima orders new ballistics tests on soldiers’ guns in Co’s death By Benjamin B. Pulta 02/02/2011

De Lima orders new ballistics tests on soldiers’ guns in Co’s death

By Benjamin B. Pulta 02/02/2011
Prosecutors had been tasked by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to take a second look at the government’s findings on the death of noted botanist Leonardo Co and others who were caught in a crossfire between the military and insurgents last November 15 in the wilderness of Kananga, Leyte.

“If the evidence adduced during the preliminary investigation warrants,the panel shall file the corresponding information before the appropriate court,” De Lima said in Department Order No. 078 which designated Assistant State Prosecutors George Yate Jr., Bryan Cacha and Tofel Austria to conduct a preliminary investigation.

“(A)s part of the preliminary investigation, and as requested by the complainants, the panel shall require the submission of all the firearms used by the 38 soldiers involved in the incident,” De Lima said.

An initial report clearing the military of involvement in the deaths had been based on a ballistic examination of only nine firearms despite the military’s admission that at around 40 soldiers took part in the operation..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20110202nat3.html