Tovic Salvador

AFP to protect junior officers who accused superior of rape

Article (news)

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

The Philippine military said it will protect two junior officers who filed rape complaints against a high-ranking military official.“The [Armed Forces of the Philippines] assures the complainants that their rights are fully protected and that they are being safeguarded from any form of intimidation or undue influence throughout the process,” the AFP said in a statement.The military likewise stressed that it takes “all forms of misconduct and breaches of military discipline with utmost seriousness.”“We remain firmly committed to due process, transparency, and accountability under the military justice system. These principles serve as the foundation of our pursuit of truth and justice, while ensuring fairness to all parties concerned,” the AFP said.“The AFP continues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline in the fulfillment of its sworn duty to protect the people and the state,” it added.A report earlier disclosed that a high-ranking military official has been slapped with rape complaints before a prosecutor’s office after being accused of sexual assault by two junior officers serving as his office assistants.The incident allegedly occurred on January 29 after a night-out event. The victims filed the complaints the day after.The joint criminal complaint for rape through sexual assault and attempted rape through sexual assault was filed after a military investigation found prima facie evidence that the official exhibited conduct unbecoming of an officer and conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline, the report said.In response to this, the AFP confirmed that the high-ranking military official was already relieved from his post and is currently under restrictive custody.“A pre-trial investigation was subsequently conducted and has since been completed. The case is now pending the approval of the convening authority for referral to a General Court Martial (GCM) and its eventual convening,” the AFP noted.<div>PAF PROBING ‘CASE OF THE SAME NATURE’</div>Reacting to the report, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) emphasized on Tuesday that it “does not condone any form of misconduct.”While the report did not disclose the name of the military official, the PAF said they have “a case of the same nature” undergoing investigation in the AFP General Headquarters in accordance with existing rules and procedures.“To protect the integrity of the ongoing proceedings and safeguard the privacy of those involved, the PAF will respectfully refrain from making further comments regarding this issue,” it said in a statement sent to ABS-CBN News.“We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline, professionalism and respect among our personnel,” the PAF added.

The Philippine military said it will protect two junior officers who filed rape complaints against a high-ranking military official.

The Philippine military said it will protect two junior officers who filed rape complaints against a high-ranking military official.