Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Bianca Dava

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1782287031442viber_image_2026-06-24_15-29-26-656.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Courtesy: 2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army</span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Philippine Army pushed through with the graduation ceremony of around 200 CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) trainees on Wednesday despite an ongoing investigation into <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/23/ph-army-investigating-alleged-physical-abuse-of-trainees-at-camp-capinpin-1553">allegations that several recruits were physically assaulted by an instructor </a>inside Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.</p><p>However, 12 trainees who were supposed to graduate have been temporarily withheld from graduation pending the outcome of the probe.</p><p>“Presently, it’s a protocol. When there’s an investigation, it is held first because the investigation is being finished,” Army 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) spokesperson Colonel Michael Aquino told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.</p><p>Aquino said the 12 trainees were among those involved in the alleged maltreatment incident that occurred during a fellowship activity inside the camp on Monday night.</p><p>In an interview with DZRH News, one of the trainees said the instructor, who is a staff sergeant, became angered after trainees failed to immediately complete a formation. The instructor was reportedly under the influence of alcohol.</p><p>Aquino said the instructor involved has been isolated while the investigation is ongoing.</p><p>“He’s presently isolated. Meaning, he’s segregated to give way to the investigation,” he added.</p><p>The official stressed that the 2ID is committed to conducting a “swift, thorough and fair” investigation.</p><p>“The Army will be fair to everybody. We want justice. Justice will be served, but we want it fast.,” Aquino said. “Again, justice delayed is justice denied. We want it fast. We want the resolution to be fast without sacrificing the human rights aspect of everybody.”</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/23/ph-army-investigating-alleged-physical-abuse-of-trainees-at-camp-capinpin-1553">PH Army investigating alleged physical abuse of trainees at Camp Capinpin</a></div><p>Investigators are looking into what transpired during the incident, including possible mitigating and aggravating circumstances.</p><p>Investigators are expected to determine whether the trainees sustained any physical injuries.</p><p>“The investigator will check if there are markings. Usually, in cases of maltreatment, there are markings. So, for sure, medical evaluation will be observed also,” Aquino said.</p><p>According to Aquino, should the allegations be proven, the instructor could face administrative sanctions ranging from demotion to possible discharge from the service.</p><p>“Again, it will be based on the result of the investigation. Everyone is given a fair chance to air their side, so that our investigation is balanced, at the same time, the result can stand scrutiny also,” the official said.</p><p>Aquino assured the public that the Army does not tolerate any breach of discipline and that anyone found responsible will be held accountable.</p><p>“If it will be proven that infractions were done, the perpetrators will be answerable,” he said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/5/29/ph-army-probes-death-of-two-trainees-in-tarlac-1241">PH Army probes death of two trainees in Tarlac</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEOS:</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LkxMv4P1Q8s?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vMtY57twPKM?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span> </strong></div>

<p>The Philippine Army pushed through with the graduation ceremony of around 200 CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) trainees on Wednesday despite an ongoing investigation into allegations that several recruits were physically assaulted by an instructor inside Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.</p>

The Philippine Army pushed through with the graduation ceremony of around 200 CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) trainees on Wednesday despite an ongoing investigation into allegations that several recruits were physically assaulted by an instructor inside Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal.

12 Army trainees’ graduation delayed by alleged maltreatment probe

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12 Army trainees’ graduation delayed by alleged maltreatment probe

Bianca Dava,

ABS-CBN News

Published June 24, 2026 03:46 PM PHT

Read More:

Philippine Army

2nd Infantry Division

physical abuse

maltreatment

Colonel Michael Aquino

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