A TWO-STAR general in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is facing complaints of rape and attempted rape involving two soldiers.
According to a report by Saleema Refran on “24 Oras,” CCTV footage from the night of January 29th shows a group of soldiers, including the general, arriving at the San Fernando Air Base in Lipa, Batangas. Later footage depicts two soldiers leaving the general’s quarters visibly distressed, prompting them to report the incident to their lieutenant.
In their affidavits, the complainants allege that the general invited them to his room, where the alleged sexual assaults occurred.
The general denies the allegations, claiming that the soldiers, being “strong, able-bodied military officers,” could have easily overpowered him and left his room if they had wished to. He asserts that no force, threat, or intimidation was used.
The complainants’ lawyer, Nico Robert Martin, countered that rape can occur regardless of gender or physical strength. “The abuse and rape, it can happen to anyone. It can happen to women, to men, and even to the strongest soldiers,” Martin stated.
The general has been relieved of his post and placed under restrictive custody by the Philippine Air Force. The AFP’s Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability found sufficient evidence to proceed with a pre-trial investigation.
The findings have been submitted to AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. for review and approval to refer the case to a general court-martial. AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla stated that the general 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), emphasizing the AFP’s zero-tolerance policy for such misconduct.
