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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP takes 'very seriously' VAWC, misconduct complaints vs military personnel -- spox

AFP takes 'very seriously' VAWC, misconduct complaints vs military personnel -- spox

Published Mar 20, 2024 06:42 am
Francel Margareth padilla.jpg
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla (Courtesy of AFP)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the public that complaints lodged against military personnel for cases involving violence against women and children (VAWC) and misconduct are being thoroughly investigated and due process is observed for all parties involved.

Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said the military organization takes “very seriously” all allegations and complaints against their own personnel and these are being investigated by the AFP’s Office on Ethical Standards and Public Accountability (OESPA) and Office of the Provost Marshall General (OTPMG).

“In every instance, we follow due process and ensure that all parties are provided opportunity to be heard before any adjudication of a complaint is arrived at,” Padilla said on Wednesday, March 20.

She said that the AFP Gender and Development Office, together with OESPA and OTPMG, also reviews and recommends policies, mechanisms, and interventions geared towards ensuring the AFP maintains an organization-wide environment and professional culture receptive and responsive to complaints involving allegations of misconduct by their service personnel.

“We stress that the AFP will neither condone nor countenance any personnel - both officers and enlisted personnel - who are found to be in violation of our Code of Conduct, moreso pertinent laws on violence against women and children,” she added.

This came as the promotion of Colonel Ranulfo Sevilla to the rank brigadier general was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) after his estranged wife accused him of alleged physical and mental abuse, lack of financial support to their children, as well as infidelity.

Sevilla is the current deputy commander of the AFP’s Special Operations Command.

According to Padilla, AFP Chief, General Romeo Brawner Jr. considers the welfare of women and children and the families of all soldiers, sailors, aviators, and marines as “primordial and mission-critical to building a morally and ethically strong AFP.”

Meanwhile, the ad interim promotion of 129 military officers were approved by the CA during a plenary session and deliberation in Pasay City on Tuesday, March 19.

The latest batch of promoted officers include one major general, two brigadier generals, and 126 colonels and navy captains.

There were also 13 female senior officers, including Padilla, the first female spokesperson of the AFP, who were cited during the session.

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