The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denied ignoring the complaints lodged by a military officer's wife against him, saying that the organization takes such cases seriously.
However, Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said the case of Brig. Gen. Ranulfo Sevilla, the deputy commander of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM), is still undergoing a legal process so they cannot make a comment on the particular matter yet.
But Padilla stressed: "As far as we are concerned, the AFP takes seriously all allegations and complaints pertaining to the protection of women and children."
She said the AFP, through its Gender and Development Office, has instituted programs to strengthen the enforcement of laws, rules and regulations relating to gender-based violence within the organization.
"Rest assured that the AFP does not tolerate any form of abuse and continue to inculcate among our personnel strong social and family values," Padilla said.
"Our soldiers should know how to treat everyone with respect and kindness, especially our families, as we each perform our respective duties and responsibilities," she noted.
It can be recalled that Sevilla's wife, Mrs. Tessa, trooped to the executive session of the Commission on Appointments’ (CA) Committee on National Defense on Tuesday to block the promotion and ad interim appointment of his estranged husband due to alleged physical and mental abuse, infidelity and lack of financial support.
The Philippine Army (PA) earlier underscored the military's dedication to promote women's access to justice amid the issue.
Meanwhile, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of AFP public affairs office, welcomed the approval of the interim promotions of nine senior military officers by the Commission on Appointments.
Promoted were Brig. Gen. Romulo Quemado II, Brig. Gen. Samuel Manzano, Commodore Lemuel Espartinez, Brig. Gen. Josel Zuñiga, Col. Mandy Libertino, Col. Juan Gullem, Col. Clifford Catubigan, Navy Captain Ted Cerezo Jr., and Col. Nereo Simbahan.
"The CA approval demonstrates military’s commitment to meritocracy and the promotion of qualified people based on their achievements, their skills, and their good character," Trinidad emphasized.
Read related story: CA panel defers general’s appointment anew after wife opposed his promotion