MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Andes tragedy: Officers could be jailed ten years

The Chilean Army officers allegedly responsible for the deaths of 34 recruits and the missing of another 11 in the snow covered Andes could receive prison sentences of up to 10 years, judicial sources said Wednesday in Santiago.

Colonel Roberto Mercado, former commander of 17th army Regiment, based in Los Angeles, Lt. Col. Luis Pineda, second-in-command, and Major Patricio Cereceda, commander of the battalion buried in the Andes last week by a blizzard will be investigated on charges that fall just short of homicide, as well as duty negligence and mistreatment of subordinates.

The information was provided by military prosecutor Col. Sergio Cea, assistant to chief prosecutor Ivan Gonzalez, who already took statements from the accused.

The three officers were relieved from duty last weekend by Army chief General Juan Emilio Cheyre who concluded they failed to exercise proper judgment when they ordered a battalion of green recruits on a snow march under poor weather conditions.

Last May 18 the 485-member battalion was hit by a severe blizzard near Antuco Volcano, some 500 kilometers south of Santiago, as they descended the mountain slope after completing exercises.

The soldiers all aged 18-19, had begun basic training on April 4. To date the bodies of 34 soldiers have been recovered but 11 are still missing.

The families of some of the victims announced they are considering filing a lawsuit. Meantime President Ricardo Lagos administration confirmed support for General Cheyre and the way he acted in the tragic circumstances, in spite of calls for his resignation.