Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 29) – The military official who heads the office that runs a social media page which published the erroneous list of alleged New People’s Army members confirmed on Friday he will file a leave of absence.
“In the light of these developments, I will go on leave of absence so as not to influence the ongoing investigation,” said Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations.
The office of Arevalo administers the “Armed Forces of the Philippines Information Exchange” Facebook page, which posted a list of University of the Philippines students allegedly captured and killed after joining the communist group.
The post went viral not just on Facebook, but also in other social media platforms. However, it was taken down following a backlash.
Arevalo took full responsibility for the mistake committed by one of his office’s staff members.
“As the Chief of Office for Civil-Military Operations, J7, I personally take responsibility for their actions,” the military official said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday ordered the relief of AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence MGen. Alex Luna following the incident.
The AFP has apologized to UP Alumni who were included in the list of alleged NPA recruits. The apology came after Lorenzana acknowledged the mistake committed by the military, describing it as an “unpardonable gaffe.”
