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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider AFP says Air Force officer under probe over rape accusations filed by 2 junior officers

AFP says Air Force officer under probe over rape accusations filed by 2 junior officers

Published May 21, 2025 05:07 am
Camp Aguinaldo (Martin Sadongdong / Manila Bulletin)
Camp Aguinaldo (Martin Sadongdong / Manila Bulletin)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is investigating a high-ranking Philippine Air Force (PAF) official who was accused of rape by his two junior officers.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) takes all forms of misconduct and breaches of military discipline with utmost seriousness. In relation to complaints filed by two junior officers, an internal investigation established prima facie evidence warranting further legal action,” Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, AFP public affairs office, said Tuesday night, May 20.

An earlier report disclosed that an unidentified high-ranking male official was charged before a prosecutor’s office after being accused of sexual assault by his two junior officers.

The incident allegedly occurred on Jan. 29 after a night-out event, and the victims filed the complaint the day after.

Col. Ma Cherry Pie Fernandez, acting Air Force spokesperson, admitted that the PAF has “a case of the same nature” undergoing investigation at the General Headquarters of the AFP.

“We emphasize that the PAF does not condone any form of misconduct. We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and respect among our personnel,” she said.

The accused senior officer was relieved of his post upon the filing of the complaints, according to the AFP.

The military said a pre-trial investigation was subsequently conducted and has since been completed. 

“The case is now pending the approval of the convening authority for referral to a General Court Martial (GCM) and its eventual convening,” Trinidad explained.

A general court-martial represents the most authoritative type of military court, empowered to prosecute service members for major offenses and deliver the harshest penalties. It is overseen by a military judge and includes a panel of military officers.

“The AFP assures the complainants that their rights are fully protected and that they are being safeguarded from any form of intimidation or undue influence throughout the process,” Trinidad said.

He added that the AFP remains committed to due process, transparency, and accountability under the military justice system, and that the military, as an organization, continues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and discipline in the fulfillment of its sworn duty to protect the people and the state.

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