The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has convened a special criminal court martial to hear the case of a Philippine Air Force (PAF) major general accused of rape by his two junior officers, military officials confirmed Tuesday, June 17.
AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr., acting as the convening authority, approved the court martial proceedings.
“We have convened a special criminal court martial for the case stated. Investigation and trials are ongoing as of this time,” PAF spokesperson Colonel Ma. Consuelo Castillo said.
The PAF has transferred jurisdiction over the case from its headquarters to the AFP’s Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability.
“Now, we respect whatever proceedings are being conducted right now and we will fully cooperate with whatever requirements they may have to justly and fairly try the case,” Castillo said.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla vowed transparency in the proceedings while respecting the privacy and rights of both parties involved.
“This investigation is in tandem with the civilian court. In terms of the military, whatever is required from our civilian courts, the military will cooperate,” she noted.
The two-star general, whose identity has been withheld pending formal proceedings, was accused of sexually assaulting his two junior officers.
The incident allegedly occurred on Jan. 29 after a night out when the PAF general ordered the junior officers to sleep in his quarters.
The junior officers claimed that they were sexually assaulted by the PAF major general. However, the general denied it, saying the junior officers could have easily overpowered him.
The victims filed rape through sexual assault and attempted rape through sexual assault against the general on Jan. 30.
The accused senior officer was relieved from his post upon the filing of the complaints. He is now under the custody of the AFP. (Martin Sadongdong)
