2 soldiers file rape, attempted rape raps vs. 2-star general
According to Saleema Refran's exclusive report on "24 Oras," CCTV footage showed that a group of soldiers, including the general, arrived at the San Fernando Air Base in Lipa, Batangas, on the night of January 29.
Another clip showed two soldiers coming out of the senior officer's quarters crying. Their lieutenant can be seen attending to them, and that's when the two reported the incident.
The complainants said in their affidavit that the general asked them to sleep in his room, which they did not take seriously at first. That's when the alleged sexual assault took place.
The star-ranked officer denied the allegations against him. He said that the sexual assault was impossible to happen as the complainants could 'overpower' him.
'Complainants are strong, able-bodied military officers who could easily overpower me…They are not under duress nor did I use a firearm or any bladed weapon, nor I use force, threat, or intimidation against their will,' the general's counter-affidavit further read.
'They could have easily left my room, as they had free access to the door or used force to prevent the unlawful act,' he added.
The complainants lawyer said rape could happen even to men.
'Yung pang-aabuso, yung panghahalay, pwede siyang mangyari kahit kanino. Pwedeng mangyari sa babae, pwedeng mangyari sa lalaki, pwedeng mangyari kahit sa mga matitipunong mga sundalo,' said lawyer Nico Robert Martin.
(The abuse and rape, it can happen to anyone. It can happen to women, to men, and even to the strongest soldiers.)
The general was relieved from his post and placed under the restrictive custody of the Philippine Air Force.
Investigation from the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability found a prima facie evidence that would entail the general to face pre-trial investigation.
Meanwhile, the initial probe findings are already with AFP Chief-of-Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.
'For review na po siya and signature po ng ating chief-of-staff. Siya rin po ang ating convening authority. And the case is currently awaiting his approval for the referral doon sa ating general court-martial,' said AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla.
(It's already for review and for the signature of our chief-of-staff. He will also be the convening authority. And the case is currently awaiting his approval for the referral to our court-martial.)
'Yun pong ating accused will face trial under Articles of War 96, ito pong conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman. And [Articles of War] 97, conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline,' she added.
(The accused will face trial under Articles of War 96, or the conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman; and Articles of War 97, conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline.)
'Zero tolerance po tayo for any form of misconduct such as this po,' Padilla also said.
(We implement zero tolerance to any form of misconduct such as this.) –Vince Angelo Ferreras/NB, GMA Integrated News
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