Camille Naredo

Philippine Air Force combat helicopters do a fly-by during the inauguration of the 17th president of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 30, 2022.

Philippine Air Force combat helicopters do a fly-by during the inauguration of the 17th president of the Republic of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 30, 2022. Fernando G. Sepe Jr., ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

PRESIDENT-INAUGURATION

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- The high-ranking Philippine Air Force (PAF) official accused of sexual assault by two junior officers serving as his office assistants has been placed under house arrest inside a military camp, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Wednesday.The joint criminal complaint for rape through sexual assault and attempted rape through sexual assault was filed before a prosecutor&#x27;s office 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 official was immediately relieved from his post upon the filing of complaints.AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla said the case is now pending the approval of AFP chief of staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., who will serve as the convening authority for the General Court Martial (GCM) proceedings.<div><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/20/paf-says-it-does-not-condone-misconduct-amid-rape-allegations-1729">READ: PAF says it does not condone misconduct amid rape allegations vs officer</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/21/afp-to-protect-junior-officers-who-accused-superior-of-rape-1221">READ: AFP to protect junior officers who accused superior of rape</a></div>&quot;For review na po siya and signature ng ating chief of staff. Siya rin ang ating convening authority,&quot; Padilla told reporters in a phone interview.The composition of the GCM will be determined once the recommendation to refer the case is approved. The members will be selected in accordance with military justice procedures to ensure fairness and impartiality.The high-ranking military official will face trial under Articles of War 96 (conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman) and 97 (conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline). The alleged acts include rape through sexual assault and attempted rape through sexual assault.The proceedings of the GCM are expected to be complete within six months. However, this may be extended depending on the complexity of the case, availability of witnesses, and legal motions filed by the parties involved.Padilla assured that the military will cooperate and comply should a civilian court issue a warrant of arrest, commitment order or any legal directive against the PAF official.&quot;As a general rule, pagka-criminal case is filed before a civilian court, &#x27;yung AFP will defer this to the court&#x27;s authority regarding sa custody,&quot; the AFP spokesperson said.&quot;However, under the Articles of War, AW 75, we provide that any person subject to military law who is held by military authorities to answer or who is awaiting trial or the result of trial or who is undergoing sentence for a crime or offense punishable under the Articles of War, yung AFP may retain custody,&quot; she explained.The AFP also assured the two junior officers of protection from any form of intimidation or undue influence amid the probe on the case.According to Padilla, the two junior officers were provided with psychological support.&quot;Sila [PAF] ang naghahandle po nitong officers na involved. Rest assured na ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas will do the necessary measures to protect our officers. Meron tayong measures like psychological support that we give them at kung anuman ang kakailanganin para mapabuti ang kanilang kalagayan, ibibigay po natin,&quot; Padilla noted.The military likewise stressed that it takes &quot;all forms of misconduct and breaches of military discipline with utmost seriousness&quot; and that it remains &quot;firmly committed to due process, transparency, and accountability under the military justice system. &quot;To prevent such incidents from happening again, the AFP is strengthening its internal mechanisms for discipline, accountability and education. This includes intensified values formation programs, leadership training, and the reinforcement of reporting and grievance mechanisms.&quot;With this, ang ating Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas will remain committed to fostering the culture of integrity and ini-emphasize natin dito ang zero tolerance natin for any form of misconduct such as this po,&quot; Padilla said.The sexual assault incident allegedly occurred on January 29 after a night-out event. The victims filed the complaints the day after.

The high-ranking Philippine Air Force official accused of sexual assault by two junior officers serving as his office assistants has been placed under house arrest inside a military camp, the AFP said on Wednesday.

The high-ranking Philippine Air Force official accused of sexual assault by two junior officers serving as his office assistants has been placed under house arrest inside a military camp, the AFP said on Wednesday.

Senior PH Air Force official accused of rape placed under house arrest in military camp – AFP

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Senior PH Air Force official accused of rape placed under house arrest in military camp – AFP

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 21, 2025 04:10 PM PHT

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