According to Pantano...
After learning that there were weapons in the house, Lt. Pantano ordered Corpsman Gobles to handcuff the men, identified as Hamaady Kareem and Tahah Ahmead Hanjil. The pair, believed to have resided in the insurgent-infested town of Latifiyah, resisted but were eventually subdued.
Shortly after that, reports state, Lt. Pantano ordered that the plastic flexicuffs binding the prisoners be cut, and he ordered them to search their own car.
Sgt. Coburn and Corpsman Gobles were ordered to take positions facing away from the car, and Lt. Pantano stood approximately 10 feet from it.
I believe that answers your questions.
Do you have additional knowledge of Pantano from people you know inside the Marine Corps?