A two-star general of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has been relieved from duty and placed under restrictive custody on allegations that he sexually assaulted two airmen.
In a briefing, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said findings of an initial investigation into the allegations have already been transmitted to AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner, who will decide if the case goes to court martial.
“It is up for review and signature of our chief-of-staff. He is also the convening authority [of the court martial]. And the case is currently awaiting his approval for referral to general court-martial,” she explained.
Investigation by the AFPs’ Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability found a prima facie evidence that would entail the general to face pre-trial investigation.
“The 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 said.
“Zero tolerance po tayo for any form of misconduct such as this po,” Padilla also said.
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, saying the sexual assault was impossible 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.
However, the complainants’ lawyer said rape could happen even to men.
“The abuse and rape, it can happen to anyone. It can happen to women, to men, and even to the strongest soldiers,” said lawyer Nico Robert Martin.
Martin said the complainants are currently suffering from depression.
“They are undergoing counseling. But you know, being soldiers, they are trained to show up to work every day [despite the trauma],” Martin said.
The complainants availed free legal assistance from the Supreme Court’s Unified Legal Service.
