Defense Sec. Gilberto "Gibo" Teodoro in a hearing of the Committee on Foreign Relations Friday, June 16, 2023. Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB 

MANILA — The Department of National Defense will “not coddle anyone” in the Armed Forces who will violate laws, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Sunday, May 25, days after two Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel filed rape charges against a major general.

The major general is reportedly under house arrest in an undisclosed military camp while the investigation and a subsequent trial over the case continues.

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

“He is currently facing criminal charges of which he will be submitted to the jurisdiction of the court and likewise, military proceedings,” Teodoro told reporters in a chance interview.

“We will not coddle anyone, and we will subject them fully to process of law,” he said.

“There will be a civilian process, there is a warrant of arrest. We will subject the officer to what the court rules,” he said.

Teodoro underscored that he has not spoken to the PAF official who is accused of sexually assaulting male subordinates, noting his role on the retention or removal of the official from service.

“It is improper for me to talk to any accused in a case, particularly if one is facing a General Court Martial because the findings of a General Court Martial before it is submitted to the President, I will have to review them to submit my recommendation,” he said. 

“I will just leave the process to run its course but there will be no interference from anyone. The process will be followed,” he said.

The defense chief also appealed to lawmakers to remedy a law mandating that military officials should be tried by a civilian court in times of peace.

Under the existing law, the General Court Martial “is limited to removal” of a military official during times of peace “because the only charge should be conduct unbecoming of an officer,” Teodoro explained.

“We want to retain jurisdiction so that it is stricter. The custodial rules under military law are stricter so they will not be allowed bail,” he said.

“If officers or members of the uniformed service like the Armed Forces are separated already, they are subjected to civilian processes where they can avail of bail,” he said.

“Sometimes there’s a temptation to get involved in some nefarious activities [after dismissal from service] because they are trained especially for the use of arms,” he said.

Last week, the Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability (OESPA) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) found prima facie evidence to subject the PAF official to a pre-trial investigation.

In his counter-affidavit, the major general denied the allegations, claiming that rape could not have occurred as the two alleged victims were strong enough to overpower him.

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